India to Get First Indigenous Airbus Helicopter; Major Boost to Civil and Defence Aviation
Airbus-Tata Partnership to Roll Out First Made-in-India Helicopter by 2027
India : is set to mark a significant milestone in its aviation sector as the first Airbus helicopter manufactured in the country is expected to roll out by early 2027. With the establishment of a new production line in India, global aerospace giant Airbus is preparing for a major expansion in the Indian market.
According to industry estimates, India’s domestic connectivity sector alone could require more than 1,000 helicopters in the coming years. In addition to civil aviation, the Indian armed forces may also procure helicopters from the new production facility based on operational requirements.
First Helicopter from New Assembly Line by 2027
In an interview with The Economic Times, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even stated that the first helicopter from the newly established assembly line in India is likely to be delivered in early 2027.
Airbus is manufacturing helicopters in India in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s position in aerospace manufacturing and promote the “Make in India” initiative.
Military Helicopters May Also Be Produced in India
Bruno Even highlighted that Airbus is targeting both civil and military markets. He noted that there has been strong interest in the H125 helicopter for military missions.
The Airbus H125 helicopter, known for its versatility and high performance in challenging terrains, could be manufactured in India if selected for defence requirements. Airbus sees no reason not to produce these helicopters locally for Indian and export customers.
₹1,000 Crore Investment in New Facility
The new production facility in Bengaluru was virtually inaugurated from Mumbai by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Airbus has invested nearly ₹1,000 crore in the new assembly line, which is expected to significantly enhance India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The facility, developed in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, represents a major step toward making India a global hub for helicopter production.
With this development, India’s civil defence aviation sector is poised for transformation, opening doors for domestic manufacturing, exports, job creation, and technological advancement in the aerospace industry.
