India and Airbus Forge Historic Helicopter Deal
In a significant advancement for India’s aviation sector, Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, presided over the signing of a crucial contract for the manufacturing of H130 helicopter fuselages. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, featured key figures including Airbus India President Remi Maillard and Mahindra Group CEO Dr. Anish Shah. This partnership not only highlights India’s growing industrial capabilities but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Strengthening India’s Aviation Landscape
The collaboration between Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. and Airbus represents a pivotal moment in India’s aviation journey. This contract is expected to enhance global confidence in India’s industrial potential, showcasing the country’s progress in the aerospace sector. Minister Naidu emphasized that this partnership is a testament to the trust that international players like Airbus place in Indian industry. He noted that since Mahindra Aerostructures’ inception in 2011, the company has consistently delivered high-quality parts and assemblies for major global players.
Naidu expressed pride in the fact that every Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopter now incorporates critical technologies and components designed and manufactured in India. He stated, “Today, we are setting a new benchmark for aircraft component manufacturing,” underscoring the importance of this contract in elevating India’s position in the global aviation market.
India’s Rapid Growth in Civil Aviation
During his address, Minister Naidu highlighted India’s ambitious growth trajectory in civil aviation. He projected that the country is on track to become one of the largest civil aviation markets globally, with an estimated 2,200 aircraft expected to join the fleet over the next two decades. By 2030, India is anticipated to handle approximately 630 million passengers annually, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-8%.
Furthermore, the domestic aerospace manufacturing market is poised for significant expansion, potentially reaching a $10 billion industry within the next 10-15 years. This growth encompasses various sectors, including structural components and avionics systems. The Minister also acknowledged the vital contributions of Indian MSMEs and startups, which supply over $2 billion worth of aircraft components annually to global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Airbus and Boeing.
Future Prospects and Strategic Developments
The signing of the H130 fuselage contract builds on previous initiatives aimed at accelerating aircraft component manufacturing in India. A meeting chaired by Minister Naidu in February 2025 focused on creating a unified roadmap to enhance domestic production and global competitiveness. This strategic approach aims to bolster India’s position in the aerospace industry.
Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, emphasized that the H130 fuselage contract will not only introduce cutting-edge technologies and create jobs in India but will also stimulate the development of domestic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities. The establishment of two Final Assembly Lines in India, including one for the C295 military aircraft and the upcoming H125 helicopter assembly line, exemplifies the country’s thriving aerospace ecosystem and its strategic partnerships with global players like Airbus.
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