Tata Advanced Systems is preparing to enter the Indian Navy’s naval utility helicopter competition with a Made-in-India version of the H160M. The move highlights India’s growing push for indigenous defence manufacturing and global aerospace partnerships.
The company is expected to collaborate with Airbus to locally produce the advanced helicopter if selected. The platform will be tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy.
The naval utility helicopter programme aims to replace ageing rotary-wing fleets with modern multi-role helicopters capable of surveillance, logistics, search-and-rescue and maritime missions.
A locally manufactured H-160M would significantly boost India’s defence production ecosystem, supporting the government’s “Make in India” initiative and creating new opportunities for the domestic supply chain.
Tata Advanced Systems has already emerged as a key private player in India’s aerospace sector, and this bid could further strengthen its position in military aviation manufacturing.
