Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is to build India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka, to produce Airbus H125 helicopters. The move is set to expand India’s rotorcraft capabilities and contribute to civil and defence aviation growth.

The ‘Made in India’ H125 will support new market segments including para-public, tourism, and medical operations, and will also meet light multi-role requirements for India’s armed forces. A military version, the H125M, will be produced with high levels of indigenised components and technologies.

“India is an ideal helicopter country. A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help develop this market and position helicopters as an essential tool for nation-building,” says Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

“Tata Advanced Systems is proud to be the first private sector company in India to build helicopters. This will bolster both civil and defence requirements,” adds Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

The first delivery is expected in early 2027, and the aircraft will also be available for export across South Asia. The H125 facility is TASL’s second project with Airbus, following the C295 manufacturing site in Gujarat, demonstrating both companies’ long-term commitment to India’s aerospace ecosystem.