New deal deepens Airbus’ Make in India commitment and strengthens India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain.
Airbus Deepens Local Manufacturing with Mahindra Aerostructures
In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, Airbus has awarded Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL) a new contract to produce the main fuselage for its H125 helicopters. The announcement marks the second such partnership in less than five months, following Airbus’ earlier contract with MASPL for the H130 helicopter fuselage in April.
- The contract makes MASPL an additional source for the H125 fuselage
- Industrialisation starts immediately at MASPL’s Bengaluru facility
- First deliveries are expected by 2027
While financial details were not disclosed, the agreement reflects Airbus’ long-term strategy to expand its Indian supplier base.
A Strategic Win for ‘Make in India’
The partnership is seen as a clear reinforcement of India’s growing role in global aerospace:
- H125 and H130 contracts integrate India into Airbus’ global value chain
- Supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative
- Strengthens local expertise in aerostructure design, manufacturing, and assembly
“Together, these initiatives aim to build a comprehensive, end-to-end aerospace ecosystem that includes local design, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance and training,” said Airbus in its official statement.
H125: A Versatile Global Workhorse
The Airbus H125 is a single-engine multipurpose helicopter known for its operational flexibility.
- Used in passenger transport, tourism, law enforcement, medical evacuation, and aerial work
- It’s one of the world’s best-selling helicopters in its category
- The upcoming Made-in-India H125 will also serve Indian defence and security forces
With Airbus setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 in India in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, the fuselage manufacturing contract with MASPL is a vital link in the domestic production chain.
Leadership Voices on the Partnership
Jrgen Westermeier, President and MD of Airbus India and South Asia, emphasized the strategic importance of the contract:
“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.”
Anish Shah, CEO and MD of Mahindra Group, noted:
“This contract strengthens our long-term partnership with Airbus and reflects our shared commitment to building a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.”
Airbus’ Growing Footprint in India
Airbus currently procures over USD 1.4 billion worth of components and services from India each year. With two FALs underway—for the H125 and the C295 military aircraft—India is becoming a central hub in Airbus’ global operations.
- The H125 FAL is expected to fuel the growth of civil helicopter markets such as
- HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services)
- Disaster response and law enforcement
- The C295 FAL is part of a separate defence initiative with Tat
