In a milestone for India’s aerospace sector, Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu presided over the signing ceremony of the H130 helicopter fuselage manufacturing contract between Airbus and Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. in New Delhi today. The agreement marks a defining moment in India’s civil aviation journey and reinforces the country’s emergence as a trusted global manufacturing hub. Held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the event witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airbus India & South Asia President Mr Rémi Maillard, and Mahindra Group CEO Dr Anish Shah, along with other senior officials and industry leaders. A New Chapter in Aviation Manufacturing Describing the agreement as a testament to India’s growing industrial capability, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu noted: “Mahindra Aerostructures, though a relatively young player, has consistently delivered high-quality assemblies to global majors like Airbus. Today’s signing underscores how ‘Make in India’ is no longer just a slogan—it is a global standard.” The contract will position India as a key contributor to Airbus’ global helicopter production, aligning with national goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and expanding domestic value chains in aviation. Future-Ready Sectoral Growth The Minister also spotlighted India's robust civil aviation trajectory: India is poised to become one of the largest civil aviation markets, with over 2,200 aircraft expected in the next two decades. By 2030, Indian airports will handle 630 million passengers annually. The domestic aerospace manufacturing sector is projected to evolve into a $10 billion industry over the next 10–15 years. He praised Indian MSMEs and startups, which contribute over $2 billion annually in aerospace components to global OEMs like Airbus and Boeing. Catalysing Industrial and Technological Momentum The contract builds upon momentum from a high-level industry meeting in February 2025, convened by the Ministry to streamline and scale up aircraft component manufacturing in India. Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam highlighted the strategic significance of the H130 project, which is set to bring high-end technologies, skilled jobs, and boost domestic MRO capabilities. The project complements India’s two marquee Final Assembly Lines—one for the C295 military aircraft in Gujarat, and another for the H125 helicopters, currently in the pipeline—further positioning India as a major aerospace manufacturing and assembly hub. This partnership between Airbus and Mahindra Aerostructures not only bolsters India’s aviation ambitions but also signals international confidence in India’s manufacturing excellence