In a landmark development, Tata Group and Airbus have inked a historic agreement to collaborate in the manufacturing of civilian helicopters. The formalization of this partnership took place during the ongoing state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India.
The industrial collaboration, spearheaded by Tata and Airbus, builds upon their existing cooperation in the production of C-295 transport aircraft in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. This strategic initiative reflects a commitment to fostering innovation, technology transfer, and promoting indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector.
Mr. Vinay Kwatra, India’s Foreign Secretary, commented on the signing, stating, “We are pleased to announce the industrial partnership between Tata and Airbus helicopters for the production of H125 helicopters. This collaboration will include a significant indigenous and localization component, further bolstering the aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India.”
The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters, with a projected setup duration of 24 months. The FAL is anticipated to commence deliveries in 2026, and the location for this facility will be jointly determined by Tata and Airbus.
Highlighting the global impact of this venture, Airbus announced that the manufactured helicopters would not only cater to the domestic market but also be exported to some of India’s neighboring countries, reinforcing the international significance of this collaboration.
Both Tata Group and Airbus express their enthusiasm for this strategic partnership, which aligns with the shared vision of promoting technological advancements and strengthening the aerospace industry. The collaboration is poised to contribute significantly to the growth and self-reliance of India’s aerospace sector.
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