Make in India boost: Mahindra to make Airbus H125 helicopter fuselage. Key highlights

After winning a contract to build the fuselage for Airbus Helicopters' H130 model earlier this year, Mahindra Group-led Mahindra Aerostructures, which produces metallic parts and assemblies for leading global airspace majors, has won another key contract from the French company, this time to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its best-selling H125 light single-engine helicopter. The deal is seen as a milestone for the government's ‘Make in India’ vision and boosts Mahindra’s position in the global aerospace supply chain.

Where will Mahindra make H125 parts?

Mahindra Aerostructures will make the H125 main fuselage at its Bengaluru facility, which is being expanded to accommodate this new programme. The industrialisation of the major contract will begin immediately, and the first fuselage delivery is targeted for 2027. This contract further fortifies Airbus’ association with Mahindra Aerostructures, which is already supplying a variety of components, sub-assemblies and complex aerostructures to Airbus for other global programmes.

What do leaders say about the deal?

The deal is being seen as a strong testament to Mahindra's growing capabilities in aerospace. It comes at a time when global companies are focussing on building an entire ecosystem in India, which will contribute to developing and maturing the rotorcraft market in India. "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," said Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD of Airbus in India and South Asia.

The contract also strengthens Mahindra's long-term partnership with Airbus."We are committed to supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Airbus,” said Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group.

Why is India a big market for Airbus?

For Airbus, India is both a major market and a strategic resource hub. Today, every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India. Currently, Airbus’ annual procurement of components and services from India stands at $1.4 billion.

Airbus' efforts to mature the wider Indian aerospace ecosystem also include the building of two final assembly lines: one for the C295 military aircraft and the other for the H125 helicopter.

What makes H125 a bestseller?

The H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, well-known for its performance, versatility, and cost-efficiency. It is widely used in roles including passenger transport, aerial work, tourism, law enforcement, medical evacuation, and rescue missions.

Its wide, unobstructed cabin and cutting-edge avionics systems make it highly adaptable and reliable for operations in the most demanding environments.