‘Beyond Bengaluru’ turns dapper, courtesy the ‘chopper’…

Vemagal (Kolar): As many as 500 H125 light helicopters will be manufactured over the next 20 years at the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly facility, jointly developed by France-based Airbus and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

The commencement of operations marks a historic milestone for the State, Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said recently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the unit from Lok Bhavan in Maharashtra.

On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ramamohan Naidu, France’s Minister for the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin, and Member of Parliament Mallesh Babu were present at the Vemagal facility.

Addressing the gathering, Patil said 17 acres had been allotted for the project. “It is heartening that the facility has been completed and inaugurated within a record time of one-and-a-half years,” he noted.

After France, the United States and Brazil, Karnataka has now become home to the world’s fourth H125 helicopter manufacturing and Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility, a development that will further strengthen the aerospace ecosystem in the State.

The establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility alongside it reflects Karnataka’s industry-friendly environment, Patil said.

Initially, the unit will manufacture 10 helicopters per year, with plans to scale up production to 500 light helicopters over the next two decades. The facility will undertake several critical activities, including the integration of avionics, hydraulic circuits, components, fuel systems and engines.

Airbus commands nearly 80 per cent of the global market share in the single-engine helicopter segment, with around 4,300 helicopters currently in operation worldwide.

These aircraft have collectively logged over 38 million flying hours. Patil said the State possesses the required reliability and engineering expertise for manufacturing H125 helicopters and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the Centre to further develop the sector.

The facility symbolises India’s growing capabilities and expanding global partnerships. It is expected to create significant opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while generating employment as well.

The project will also provide the State’s youth with greater access to advanced technology-driven sectors, Patil added.