Vemagal, Karnataka, 17 February, 2026:

The Tata Advanced Systems Final Assembly Line of the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter, located at Vemagal, Karnataka was virtually inaugurated by the Indian PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. from Mumbai. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu and Minister for Large & Medium Industries, Government of Karnataka Dr MB Patil were present at the Final Assembly Line facility during the virtual inauguration.

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters as a milestone in the strategic partnership between India and France. “Our collaboration with France is limitless, where even sky is not a limit to our mutually beneficial partnership,” he said, congratulating TASL and Airbus Helicopters for the H-125 initiative which follows their earlier collaboration to manufacture C-295 transport aircraft in India. He termed the project as a symbol of how India can collaborate with international Original Equipment Manufacturers to contribute to the Make-in-India vision.

Rajnath Singh pointed out that the H-125 program investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1,000 crore and is likely to create direct & indirect employment opportunities for skilled and hardworking youth. He dubbed the H-125 helicopters as a platform renowned for its exceptional reliability, versatility, and outstanding performance in diverse operating conditions. “The H-125 has proven to be one of the most effective and trusted single-engine helicopters globally,” he said.

The H125M is optimised to serve as a high-altitude force multiplier across a spectrum of critical missions. This versatile platform is designed to excel in tactical reconnaissance and surveillance by leveraging its low acoustic and thermal signatures. Additionally, the H125M provides a decisive edge in high-altitude logistics, ensuring the delivery of vital supplies to remote frontline outposts, and serves as a rapid-response asset for search and rescue or medical evacuation operations.

We are proud to establish the H125 Helicopter Final Assembly Line, a first in the private sector in India – a landmark step in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence. This facility reflects the growing depth of India’s industrial capabilities and the strength of our long-standing partnership with Airbus. Together, we are contributing to the creation of a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India,” said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.

This is the second major Tata and Airbus industrial collaboration, following the C295 military transport Final Assembly Line, cementing a comprehensive military aerospace ecosystem in India. Together, these programmes underscore Airbus’ long-term commitment to building a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India across manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, design, digital capabilities and human capital development. Airbus currently sources components and services worth over $1.5 billion annually from India, including complex aerostructures and systems, reinforcing the country’s growing role in Airbus’ global supply chain.

(Courtesy: PIB/MoD)