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Why in the News?

India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line was inaugurated at Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka to manufacture Airbus H125 helicopters through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus.

Key Entities Involved

  • Tata Advanced Systems Limited
  • Airbus
  • France
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

About the Facility

  • Location: Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka
  • Type: Private sector Final Assembly Line
  • Product: Airbus H125 single engine helicopter
  • Initial annual capacity: 10 helicopters
  • First delivery expected: Early 2027
  • Will serve Indian and South Asian markets

This becomes the fourth global production site for the H125 after France, USA and Brazil.

About H125 Helicopter

  • One of the world’s best selling single engine helicopters
  • Over 4,300 units flying globally
  • Certified under European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards
  • Designed for high altitude and rugged terrain operations

Military Variant

  • H125M version proposed
  • Seen as a successor to Cheetah and Chetak helicopters
  • Suitable for:
    • Tactical reconnaissance
    • High altitude logistics
    • Search and rescue
    • Medical evacuation
[2024] Consider the following aircraft: 

1. Rafael 

2. MiG-29 

3. Tejas MK-1 

How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? 

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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