New Delhi: The first ‘Made in India’ Airbus H125 helicopter is expected to be delivered by early 2027, with plans for both domestic use and export to the South Asian region, it was announced on Wednesday.

The helicopter will be assembled at India’s first private-sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for rotorcraft, to be established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture Airbus's light utility H125 helicopter, marking a significant milestone in the country's aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The initiative is expected to unlock the untapped potential of the rotorcraft market in South Asia, supporting both civil and defence sectors.

“India is an ideal helicopter country. A ‘Made in India’ helicopter will help develop this market and position helicopters as an essential tool for nation-building,” said Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

“We are extremely glad to be adding this new chapter to our multi-faceted relationship with our trusted partners Tata,” he added.

The Indian-built H125 will cater to a range of civil and para-public applications, including emergency medical services, disaster response, tourism, and law enforcement. It is also seen as a potential solution for the Indian armed forces’ requirement for a light multi-role helicopter, particularly suited to operations in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas.

A military variant, the H125M, is also in development and will be offered from the same Indian facility. The version is expected to feature high levels of indigenised components and local technologies.

“Tata Advanced Systems is proud to be the first private sector company in India to build helicopters. This will bolster both civil and defence requirements,” said Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL.

“This is our second FAL in collaboration with Airbus and further reinforces the partnership between Tata and Airbus for India,” he added.

Tata Advanced Systems already plays a significant role in India's aerospace sector, with capabilities spanning the manufacture of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.