Airbus Helicopters has signed an agreement with Mahindra Aerostructures to set up production of the H130 fuselage in India.
The deal covers the manufacturing and assembly of the single-engine helicopters in the South Asian country before their delivery to Airbus facilities in Europe.
Work on this cooperation will start immediately, with the first H130 cabin slated for shipment by March 2027.
Mahindra noted that its partnership with the French aerospace giant supports New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to develop India into an international design and factory hotspot.
Additionally, the collaboration will further establish Mahindra’s “position as a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain.”
“As a global leader, Airbus has played a transformative role in nurturing India’s aerospace ecosystem and showcasing it on the world stage,” Mahindra Group CEO and Managing Director Dr. Anish Shah stated.
“It is an honour for us to build on our proven track record with Airbus, harness our industrial process excellence, and embark on this new initiative.”
Airbus in India
Airbus currently records approximately $1.4 billion in annual procurement of components and services from India.
Prior to the H130 partnership announcement, the French company launched a separate assembly line for the C295 military transport aircraft and the H124 helicopter in the country.
“We have a strategic plan for India and we are implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training,” Airbus India and South Asia President Rémi Maillard commented on the recent H130 agreement.
“The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, which offers the right mix of competencies and competitiveness. We are glad to extend this bond with India through our latest association with our partner Mahindra Aerostructures.”
The H130
Airbus’ H130 helicopter measures 13 meters (43 feet) long and has a rotor diameter of 11 meters (36 feet).
It has a capacity for up to seven passengers and more than 1,000 kilograms (220 pounds) of payload.
The aircraft is equipped with a Safran Arriel 2D engine with 950 horsepower for a speed of 128 knots (237 kilometers/147 miles per hour), a range of 327 nautical miles (606 kilometers/376 miles), and a service ceiling of 7,000 meters (22,966 feet).
