Karnataka is set to become a major aerospace hub with the establishment of India’s first privately-led helicopter manufacturing unit by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus in Kolhar, Bidar district. This facility, part of the Make in India initiative, will focus on assembling Airbus H125 helicopters, a globally renowned single-engine light utility aircraft used in civil aviation, law enforcement, and emergency services. The 27-acre facility will handle assembly, testing, and certification, making it a key player in India’s aerospace sector.
The strategic location of the plant in Kolhar Industrial Area was chosen due to Karnataka’s robust aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce, and government incentives such as land subsidies, capital investment benefits, and production-linked incentives. Initially, the facility will produce 10 helicopters annually, with plans to scale up production based on regional demand, which is projected to reach 500 helicopters over the next two decades. Karnataka secured this project over Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing its position as a preferred destination for aerospace manufacturing3.
This initiative is expected to boost employment, attract supply chain investments, and enhance India’s self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing. The collaboration between Tata and Airbus extends beyond Karnataka, as they are also setting up a C295 aircraft assembly line in Gujarat. With India’s growing focus on indigenous defence and aviation production, the Kolhar helicopter facility is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s aerospace future.