Bengaluru, May 27, 2025 — In a major boost to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, Karnataka has emerged as the chosen location for the Tata-Airbus Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters. Airbus, in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), the aerospace and defence arm of the Tata Group, will set up a state-of-the-art facility in Kolar to assemble the H125 helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The announcement marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The H125 is a highly versatile light helicopter, known for its performance at high altitudes and in challenging environments, making it well-suited for military operations in India’s diverse terrain.
The Kolar facility will be the first helicopter Final Assembly Line by a private sector consortium in India. It will assemble, test, and deliver H125 helicopters, contributing directly to domestic capability building and technological advancement in aerospace manufacturing.
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, welcomed the decision and stated, “We are proud to host this pioneering facility in Kolar. This project will not only boost industrial growth in the region but also generate thousands of high-skilled jobs and create an ecosystem for aerospace innovation in Karnataka.”
Senior officials from Airbus and TASL emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership. “This facility is a testament to our long-standing commitment to India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. “Through our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, we aim to deliver world-class products while fostering indigenous capabilities.”
The FAL project is expected to attract ancillary investments, stimulate skill development, and position Karnataka as a leading aerospace hub in Asia. The state already hosts several aerospace parks and defence corridors, and the new facility in Kolar is expected to accelerate this momentum.
With the Indian Air Force planning to induct a new fleet of light utility helicopters, the H125 assembly line in Kolar is poised to play a key role in modernizing India’s air defence capabilities.