India–EU Aviation Pact Boosts ‘Make in India’, Paves Way for Helicopter Manufacturing in Karnataka

Karnataka | 27 March 2026 In a significant step towards strengthening industrial cooperation, India and the European Union have finalised a working arrangement on aviation production, aimed at enhancing collaboration and supporting the “Make in India” initiative. The agreement focuses on aligning manufacturing processes with European safety standards and will facilitate the production and export of aircraft components, including helicopters, for global markets. The development follows discussions held during the India–EU Summit in January, where civil aviation safety emerged as a key priority area. European Union Ambassador Hervé Delphin described the agreement as a practical example of growing bilateral cooperation, highlighting that adherence to globally recognised safety standards will boost India’s credibility as an aviation manufacturing hub. As part of this collaboration, Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has already set up a final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka, for the H125 single-engine helicopter. The facility, inaugurated earlier this year, is expected to begin deliveries by 2027 and will cater to both domestic and international markets, marking a major milestone in India’s aerospace manufacturing journey. The agreement was formally signed between India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ahead of a regional aviation workshop in New Delhi. The initiative reflects a broader commitment by both sides to ensure safe, sustainable, and resilient air transport systems. It also aligns with the long-standing strategic partnership between India and the EU, which continues to expand through cooperation in trade, technology, and global regulatory standards. India–EU Aviation Pact Boosts ‘Make in India’, Paves Way for Helicopter Manufacturing in Karnataka In a significant step towards strengthening industrial cooperation, India and the European Union have finalised a working arrangement on aviation production, aimed at enhancing collaboration and supporting the “Make in India” initiative. The agreement focuses on aligning manufacturing processes with European safety standards and will facilitate the production and export of aircraft components, including helicopters, for global markets. The development follows discussions held during the India–EU Summit in January, where civil aviation safety emerged as a key priority area. European Union Ambassador Hervé Delphin described the agreement as a practical example of growing bilateral cooperation, highlighting that adherence to globally recognised safety standards will boost India’s credibility as an aviation manufacturing hub. As part of this collaboration, Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has already set up a final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka, for the H125 single-engine helicopter. The facility, inaugurated earlier this year, is expected to begin deliveries by 2027 and will cater to both domestic and international markets, marking a major milestone in India’s aerospace manufacturing journey. The agreement was formally signed between India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ahead of a regional aviation workshop in New Delhi. The initiative reflects a broader commitment by both sides to ensure safe, sustainable, and resilient air transport systems. It also aligns with the long-standing strategic partnership between India and the EU, which continues to expand through cooperation in trade, technology, and global regulatory standards.