Karnataka’s Industries Minister M B Patil revealed plans to produce 500 H125 light helicopters in the state over the next two decades. The country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly facility will undertake this manufacturing project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the unit from Maharashtra.
The facility’s launch signifies a significant achievement for Karnataka, with 17 acres allocated for the project under Minister Patil’s leadership. The assembly unit, completed within a record 1.5 years, highlights efficient approvals, coordination, and industry involvement. Karnataka now hosts the world’s fourth H125 helicopter manufacturing and Final Assembly Line (FAL) facility.
Initially, the assembly unit will manufacture 10 helicopters annually, aiming to scale up production to 500 helicopters over the next 20 years. The facility will manage crucial tasks like integrating avionics, hydraulic circuits, and engines. Airbus, dominating the single-engine helicopter market, selected Karnataka due to its engineering capabilities.
The project’s establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility aligns with Karnataka’s pro-industry environment. Minister Patil emphasized the state’s readiness for advanced technology sectors and commitment to collaborating with the government for sector growth. The initiative is expected to boost employment opportunities and benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
