In a major boost to India’s aerospace sector, Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have commissioned a final assembly line for the H125 helicopter in Karnataka — the country’s first privately operated helicopter manufacturing facility.
Based in Vemagal near Bengaluru, the plant will initially produce the civilian H125 and later the H125M tactical version. Its scope includes assembly, systems integration, testing, component manufacturing, and long-term support. The first helicopters are slated for completion in early 2027.
The Airbus H125 is a versatile 13-meter rotorcraft with an 11-meter rotor span, employed globally for policing, humanitarian missions, emergency medical services, and transport duties. The military configuration is tailored for high-altitude missions relevant to India’s northern defense requirements.
Powered by the 952-hp Safran Arriel 2D engine, the helicopter reaches altitudes of 7,010 meters, cruises at up to 252 km/h, and offers a 630-kilometer operational range. With endurance exceeding four hours and a payload capacity of 1,075 kilograms, it combines versatility with high-altitude performance.
