Tata to establish India's first private helicopter manufacturing unit
What's the story
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will set up India's first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Airbus H125 helicopters. The facility will be located in Vemagal, Karnataka. The move is aimed at tapping the potential of South Asia's rotorcraft market and creating new civil and para-public market segments. It also intends to fulfill the Indian armed forces' demand for a light multi-role helicopter on the country's Himalayan frontiers.
Strategic move
TASL to manufacture helicopters for both civil and defense purposes
TASL's foray into helicopter manufacturing is a strategic expansion of its capabilities. The company will undertake the assembly, integration, and testing of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems and components into a complete helicopter. It will also conduct final flight tests before delivering the helicopters to customers. This move makes TASL the first private sector company in India to manufacture helicopters for both civil and defense purposes.
Versatile applications
Airbus H125 helicopters
The Tata-manufactured Airbus H125 helicopters will be used for critical services such as emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, and law enforcement. The H125 is a part of Airbus's Ecureuil family that has logged over 40 million flight hours globally. It can operate in high-altitude, extreme environments and be easily reconfigured for various missions including aerial work, firefighting, rescue operations among others.
Historical ties
Airbus's partnership with India
Airbus's partnership with India dates back over 60 years, starting with an industrial collaboration agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The H125M is seen as a perfect successor to these helicopters. This new facility in Vemagal will be the second Indian Airbus aircraft assembly plant set up by TASL after the first one for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Commitment
Airbus's investment in India
Airbus's investment in India goes beyond manufacturing. The company sources components and services worth over $1.4 billion annually from India, including complex systems like aircraft doors, flap-track beams, and helicopter cabin aerostructures. The H125 FAL in India will follow the same processes and standards as its flagship facility in Marignane (France). Despite importing key components, the Made-in-India H125s are expected to be competitively priced with those produced elsewhere.