Mahindra to Manufacture H130 Helicopter Fuselage for Airbus in Major Make in India Deal

Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited has secured a significant contract with Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airbus India and South Asia President Rémi Maillard, and Mahindra Group CEO Dr. Anish Shah.

Under the terms of the contract, Mahindra will produce the H130's main fuselage assembly at its facilities in India before shipping the completed structures to Airbus Helicopters' facilities in Europe. Production preparation will begin immediately, with the first cabin assembly scheduled for delivery by March 2027.

"We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this pivotal aerostructures contract," said Dr. Anish Shah. He noted that the collaboration highlights Mahindra's commitment to supporting the Indian government's Make in India initiative.

Rémi Maillard of Airbus stated that the contract reflects the company's confidence in "the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain," which he described as offering "the right mix of competencies and competitiveness."

This contract represents a significant expansion of Mahindra's aerospace manufacturing capabilities, as the company moves beyond its current production of parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus commercial aircraft programs into larger and more complex aerostructures.

For Airbus, the deal strengthens its ties with India, which serves as both a major market and a strategic resource hub. The company currently procures components and services worth $1.4 billion annually from India, with every Airbus commercial aircraft containing Indian-made components and technologies.

The H130 helicopter is designed for multiple applications including passenger transport, tourism, private and business aviation, medical airlift, and surveillance missions. It features a wide cabin that can accommodate up to seven passengers plus a pilot, with enhanced visibility through a large wrap-around windscreen.

The Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, employs 260,000 people across more than 100 countries and is particularly strong in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services. It is the world's largest tractor company by volume and has significant presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate sectors.