Airbus CEO says putting helicopter production in India will accelerate access to the local market - BFMTV
TL;DR
Airbus CEO announces plans to produce H125 helicopters in India by 2027, aiming to boost local market access and reduce import reliance. The initiative supports civil and military applications, including emergency services and defense, while aligning with India's self-reliance goals.
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Airbus CEO says putting helicopter production in India will accelerate access to the local market - BFMTV
Airbus CEO: India Helicopter Production to Enhance Local Market Access
According to BusinessWorld, Airbus will ramp up H125 production in India to 10 units annually by 2029, with the first "Made in India" H125 expected in early 2027. The helicopters will support civil applications such as emergency medical services, disaster management, and regional connectivity under India's UDAN scheme, while the military variant will address high-altitude reconnaissance, logistics, and search-and-rescue operations as highlighted by Airbus CEO.
Even emphasized that local production would enhance India's "sovereignty in vertical-lift capabilities" and ensure mission readiness for defense forces, while also reducing reliance on imports. The H125, the world's best-selling single-engine helicopter with over 40 million flight hours, is uniquely suited to India's challenging terrain, having previously landed on Mount Everest as reported by BusinessWorld.
The partnership builds on an existing Tata-Airbus collaboration for the C295 military transport aircraft in Gujarat and reflects Airbus's broader commitment to India's aerospace ecosystem. According to Airbus, the company currently sources $1.5 billion annually in components and services from India, reinforcing its role in Airbus's global supply chain.
With plans for regional exports and a focus on localized maintenance, the initiative aligns with India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing while expanding Airbus's footprint in a strategically important market.
