Strategic Expansion of ‘Make in India’ in Aerospace
Staff Correspondent
Airbus Helicopters has awarded Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL) a significant contract to manufacture the main fuselage of the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter. As an additional source for the program, MASPL will begin industrialisation immediately at its Bengaluru facility, with first deliveries targeted for 2027. The award deepens Airbus’s long-term collaboration with Mahindra and marks a significant step in advancing India’s rotorcraft manufacturing capabilities under the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
This new H125 work package follows the April 2025 selection of MASPL to produce the fuselage for Airbus’s H130 helicopter, firmly integrating India into Airbus Helicopters’ global value chain and scaling the sophistication of aerospace manufacturing in the country.
Leadership Endorsements & Vision
Announcing the contract in Bengaluru, the event was attended by Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President International, Airbus; Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia; and Arvind Mehra, Managing Director and CEO of MASPL.
– “This new contract with Mahindra Aerostructures is a testament to the strong capabilities of our partners in India and our shared vision for the country’s aerospace sector,” said Jürgen Westermeier. “This significant H125 work package, along with our existing H130 partnership and the under-construction H125 FAL, demonstrates our confidence in India as a critical hub for global aerospace manufacturing. We are not just building helicopters in India; we are building an entire ecosystem that will contribute to developing and maturing the rotorcraft market in India.”
– “We are delighted to partner with Airbus on its ‘Make in India’ plans,” said Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD, Mahindra Group. “This contract strengthens our long-term partnership and reflects Mahindra Group and Airbus’s role in building India’s aerospace ecosystem. At Mahindra, we are committed to supporting the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Airbus.”
Building a Complete Aerospace Ecosystem
Airbus’s decision complements its broader industrial strategy in India. The company is establishing two Final Assembly Lines (FALs) in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited: one for the H125 helicopter and another for the C295 military transport aircraft. These investments are designed to create an end-to-end aerospace ecosystem incorporating local design, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and training.
– Supply chain scale: Airbus currently procures approximately $1.4 billion annually in components and services from India, reflecting both the breadth and the growing complexity of work sourced domestically.
– Industrialization timeline: MASPL will begin tooling and process setup immediately, with the first H125 fuselage delivery planned for 2027, aligning with Airbus’s ramp-up plans to support global demand.
Catalysing New Civil & Para-Public Markets
The H125 FAL in India is positioned to stimulate multiple civil and para-public segments, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, and aerial work. These capabilities are pivotal for a modern, resilient India, enabling rapid response in challenging terrains and underserved regions. The “Made in India” H125 is also expected to meet select mission requirements of the Indian armed forces, further reinforcing sovereign capability in critical aviation assets.
The H125: Proven Performance and Versatility
The H125 is globally recognized for its high performance, versatility, and cost-efficiency. Its wide, unobstructed cabin, cutting-edge avionics, and robust design make it adaptable to diverse missions—from passenger transport and tourism to law enforcement, medical evacuation, and rescue operations. The type’s reliability in demanding environments underscores its suitability for India’s varied geographies.
By awarding the H125 fuselage contract to MASPL and advancing local assembly lines, Airbus is accelerating the maturation of India’s rotorcraft ecosystem. The deepening partnership with Mahindra, along with the broader industrial footprint across design, manufacturing, and MRO, positions India as a critical node in Airbus’s global helicopter supply chain, supporting domestic capability, export competitiveness, and long-term aerospace resilience.
