A new Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) will be established in India to build H125 helicopters in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
On October 1, 2025, Airbus announced that the new facility located in Vemagal, Karnataka, would be India’s first helicopter assembly line from the private sector.
The FAL will produce civil and military rotorcraft including the Indian armed forces’ requirement for a light multi-role helicopter.
The ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters can also be used for important services like emergency medical flights, disaster relief, tourism, and law enforcement. Delivery of the first factory made H125 is expected in early 2027.
“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,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia. “We are extremely glad to be adding this new chapter to our multi-faceted relationship with our trusted partners Tata.”
TASL intends to undertake manufacturing and testing of H125 helicopters including assembly, integration and testing of structural mechanical, electrical systems and components, and final flight tests required before the delivery of the helicopter to customers.
“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. This is our second FAL in collaboration with Airbus and further reinforces the partnership between Tata and Airbus for India,” said Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems.
He added: “Tata Advanced Systems is well placed in the Indian aerospace sector with capability to build and deliver fixed-wing aircraft as well as helicopters for the nation’s requirements.”
The H125 FAL is the second Airbus aircraft assembly plant Tata Advanced Systems is building in India, after the C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.
As well as India, the H125 helicopter will be available for exports in the South Asian region.
