Tata-Airbus aircraft: Modi, Macron unveil the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters in Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters built jointly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus at Vemagal in Karnataka.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the investment in the H-125 program is anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for India's skilled and hardworking younger generation.

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Addressing a press meet after the inauguration, PM Modi said, "We take pride in the fact that, together, India and France will manufacture in India the world's only helicopter capable of flying to the heights of Mount Everest and export it to the entire world."


The ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopter will help meet the Indian armed force’s requirement for a light multi-role helicopter and develop new civil and para-public market segments. It will essentially contribute to army operations on the icy heights of the country’s Himalayan frontiers. Tata and Airbus plan include a military version, the H125M, which will be offered out of this Indian factory with high levels of indigenised components and technologies.

The delivery of the first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected in early 2027, TASL said in a release earlier, adding that the helicopter will be available for exports in the South Asian region as well.

Under the joint assembly line, Tata will undertake manufacturing and testing of H125 helicopters, including assembly, integration and testing of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems and components into a complete helicopter and final flight tests required before the delivery of the helicopter to customers.

The H125 helicopter is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter that outclasses other helicopters in its category. This high-performing versatile helicopter is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours worldwide.

The helicopter can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including, aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others.

The H125 is the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, demonstrating its agility in operating in high altitude, extreme environments.