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Karnataka to Build 500 Airbus H125 Helicopters in Major Aerospace Boost

Karnataka's Industries Minister M B Patil announced that 500 Airbus H125 light helicopters will be manufactured in the state over the next 20 years. The country's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The project, established on 17 acres, was completed in a record 1.5 years due to swift approvals and coordination. This facility positions Karnataka as a key player in the global aerospace sector and is expected to create significant jobs and opportunities for local industry.

Key Points: 500 Airbus H125 Helicopters to be Made in Karnataka

  • First private helicopter assembly facility in India
  • Project completed in record 1.5 years
  • Will scale to 500 helicopters over two decades
  • Strengthens Karnataka's aerospace ecosystem
  • Expected to generate significant MSME and employment opportunities
2 min read

500 H125 light helicopters to be manufactured in K'taka: Minister​

Karnataka to manufacture 500 H125 light helicopters over 20 years at a new private facility, boosting India's aerospace sector and creating jobs.

"marks a historic milestone for the state - Minister M B Patil"

Kolar, Feb 17

Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil announced on Tuesday that 500 H125 light helicopters will be manufactured over the next 20 years at the country's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility.

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

The minister stated that the commencement of operations marks a historic milestone for the state.

Patil noted that 17 acres were allotted for the project soon after he assumed office as Industries Minister. He expressed satisfaction that the facility was completed and inaugurated in a record 1.5 years.

He added that swift approvals, effective coordination, infrastructure readiness, and active industry engagement ensured the timely implementation of this initiative.

Following France, the US, and Brazil, Karnataka now hosts the world's fourth H125 helicopter manufacturing and Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility, further strengthening the state's aerospace ecosystem.

He said the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility alongside the assembly unit reflects Karnataka's industry-friendly environment.

Initially, the unit will manufacture 10 helicopters per year, with plans to scale up to 500 over the next two decades. The facility will handle key activities, including integrating avionics, hydraulic circuits, components, fuel systems, and engines.

The Minister expressed pride that Karnataka secured the project despite strong competition from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Airbus holds nearly 80 percent of the global market share in the single-engine helicopter segment, with about 4,300 helicopters in operation worldwide. These aircraft have logged over 38 million flying hours.

Patil stated that the state has the necessary reliability and engineering expertise to manufacture H125 helicopters and reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with the Centre to further develop the sector.

The facility represents India's growing capabilities and expanding global partnerships. It is expected to create significant opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate employment.

Patil added that the project will provide the state's youth with greater access to advanced technology-driven sectors.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great to see India-France collaboration bearing fruit. The speed of completion (1.5 years!) is impressive and shows what's possible with good coordination. However, I hope the environmental impact assessments for the facility were thorough and that sustainable practices are followed.
R
Rohit P
As someone from Kolar, this is a game-changer! Finally, some major industrial development in our region. Hoping the local youth get proper training to be part of this high-tech workforce and don't just end up with low-skilled jobs. The 20-year plan needs consistent follow-up.
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Priyanka N
Good step, but 10 helicopters a year initially is a very small number. Hope the scaling up happens as planned. The real test will be the indigenization of components over time. We must move from assembly to genuine manufacturing and R&D. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
Competing with and winning against states like Gujarat and UP is a big deal for Karnataka. Shows our industrial policy is working. The MRO facility is a smart addition – it creates a full ecosystem. More such projects, please!
K
Kavitha C
While this is positive, I'm concerned about the land allocation process. 17 acres is significant. Was it agricultural land? Were the local farmers and residents properly consulted and compensated? Development should not come at the cost of displacing people.

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