Satellite Tech to Guide Helicopters Safely

India has achieved a historic aviation milestone: the DGCA has approved the country’s first satellite‑guided helicopter landing system — the Private Point‑in‑Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure — at Undavalli Heliport, Andhra Pradesh. This enables radar‑free, all‑weather operations, enhancing safety and accessibility for remote and challenging locations.

Satellites guide helicopter landings by providing precise 3D navigation — both horizontal and vertical — through GPS signals enhanced by Satellite‑Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS). This allows helicopters to safely approach a predefined “Point‑in‑Space” before transitioning visually to the landing site, even without radar or ground‑based aids.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the PinS (Point-in-Space) procedures use advanced satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to conduct safe and precise instrument approaches to heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial during adverse weather conditions and in areas where ground-based navigation aids are not available.. 

What Was Approved

• System: PinS Instrument Approach
• Location: Undavalli Heliport, Andhra Pradesh
• Developed by: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
• Approved by: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
• Standards: Designed in line with DGCA regulations and ICAO requirements

Why It Matters

• Safety Boost: Enables precise instrument approaches even in poor visibility.
• Radar‑Free Operations: No need for costly ground‑based navigation aids.
• All‑Weather Accessibility: Expands helicopter services to remote, mountainous, or disaster‑prone areas.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduces delays and diversions during adverse weather.
• Applications: Emergency medical transport, disaster relief, tourism, offshore operations, corporate aviation.

Comparison: Traditional vs PinS

Traditional ILS/Radar	PinS Satellite Approach
Requires ground‑based transmitters	Satellite signals only
High installation/maintenance cost	Lower infrastructure cost
Limited to airports with ILS	Works at heliports without ILS
Precision in poor weather	Comparable precision, even in low visibility
Vulnerable if equipment fails	More resilient, radar‑free

Broader Context

• Linked Milestone: India demonstrated its first GAGAN‑based precision landing for commercial aircraft.
• Government Vision: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed PinS as “the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations.”
• Future Outlook: Approval at Undavalli expected to accelerate adoption nationwide.

Implications for India

• Safer connectivity: Remote regions like Himalayan shrines and disaster zones.
• Medical evacuation: Expansion of emergency services.
• Corporate aviation: Enhanced reliability for business travel.
• Cost efficiency: Reduced reliance on expensive radar infrastructure.

This development expected to pave the way for the development of similar PinS procedures across the country, benefiting emergency medical services, disaster relief operations, tourism, offshore activities, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. It will enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations to remote and strategically important locations, improve operational reliability, and reduce weather-related disruptions.

Speaking on the development, Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu said, "The introduction of India's first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure marks the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations by significantly enhancing flight safety, operational efficiency and all-weather accessibility. I sincerely appreciate the coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the state government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving this historic milestone. Our foremost priority is the adoption of modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and more accessible across the country. We also recently concluded the first phase of this year's Char Dham helicopter operations successfully without any incident supported by upgraded technological infrastructure. Our commitment is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India."

India’s Defence Push: Adani and Italy's Leonardo to Manufacture Copters in India

Leonardo AW169M Copter

Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a strategic partnership with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, focusing on military helicopters like the AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM. The deal strengthens India’s defence indigenisation push, with plans for phased local production, maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and pilot training.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Parties involved: Adani Defence & Aerospace (India) and Leonardo (Italy)
• Date signed: February 3, 2026
• Scope: Develop, manufacture, and sustain helicopters in India
• Models included: AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM
• Focus areas:
  • Phased indigenisation of production
  • Strong MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) capabilities
  • Comprehensive pilot training programs
• Strategic context: Signed shortly after the Indo-EU trade and defence deal

Why This Matters for India

• Defence self-reliance: Reduces dependence on imported helicopters
• Military readiness: Provides advanced platforms for the Indian armed forces
• Civil aviation potential: May expand to serve domestic civilian demand and global supply chains
• Policy support: Customs duty removed on aircraft components, boosting local manufacturing

Comparison of Helicopter Models

Leonardo AW169M Copter

Leonardo AW109 TrekkerM

Feature	AW169M (Military Variant)	AW109 TrekkerM
Role	Multi-role military ops	Light utility, training, surveillance
Capacity	~10 passengers	~6 passengers
Range	~820 km	~932 km
Special Features	Advanced avionics, mission flexibility	High agility, cost-effective operations
Target Use in India	Armed forces missions	Training, light transport, reconnaissance

Risks & Challenges

• Technology transfer: Ensuring meaningful indigenisation
• Supply chain readiness: Building local component ecosystems
• Geopolitical sensitivities: Past restrictions on Leonardo require regulatory clearance
• Execution timeline: Defence projects often face delays

Outlook

• Positions India as a future hub for helicopter manufacturing
• Aligns with *Make in India* and *Atmanirbhar Bharat* initiatives
• Strengthens military capabilities and opens civil aviation/export opportunities

Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, stated: "This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India. Merging global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will drive enduring value, high-skill employment, and alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse."

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace, added: "With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base."

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, affirmed: "We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry, and to enable the country to access the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavour, leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions."

This strategic partnership redefines India's aerospace landscape, strengthening defence autonomy and position the country as a trusted global hub for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.

Indian Army Inducts First Batch of AH-64E Apache Helicopters

On July 22, 2025, the Indian Army received its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters at the Hindon Airbase, marking a milestone in its combat aviation modernisation. These helicopters will soon join the Army Aviation Corps squadron in Jodhpur, significantly enhancing battlefield readiness along India’s western border.

It was in 2020 when India signed a US$ 600 million deal with the United States for six AH-64E Apaches specifically for the Indian Army, following a 2017 approval by the Defence Ministry. This order supplements the Indian Air Force’s earlier acquisition of 22 Apaches under a 2015 contract, whose deliveries were completed by mid-2020. The Army’s contract was valued at ₹4,168 crore, with deliveries slated to begin in 2024.

Delivery and Induction Process

Upon arrival at Hindon, the three helicopters underwent Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI) to verify airworthiness and systems integrity. After completion of inspections, they will be formally handed over to the Army Aviation Corps and ferried to their Jodhpur base for immediate operational deployment. The remaining three Apaches are expected to arrive by the end of 2025, completing the six-helicopter order.

Batch	Quantity	Arrival Month/Year	Base
First	3	July 2025	Hindon
Second	3	By end 2025	Hindon → Jodhpur

AH-64E Apache: Key Capabilities

• Twin-engine, tandem-seat attack platform equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensor suites for all-weather, day-night operations.
• Armament includes laser- and radar-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rocket pods, air-to-air Stinger missiles, and a 30 mm M230 chain gun with 1,200 rounds.
• Longbow radar above the main rotor provides 360° target detection and fire control, enabling precision anti-armour and close-air-support missions.

Advanced Operational Features

The AH-64E Apache Guardian integrates network-centric warfare capabilities, linking onboard sensors with off-board assets to deliver rapid target acquisition and precision engagement. Its enhanced digital connectivity and open-systems architecture allow seamless integration into multi-domain operations, making it a force multiplier in high-intensity conflict scenario. 

Strategic Impact

Introducing Apaches into the Indian Army fleet bolsters India’s deterrence posture by providing “tank-in-the-air” capabilities against armoured threats. These helicopters fill critical capability gaps in rugged and high-altitude theatres, complementing the Indian Air Force’s own Apache squadrons and strengthening joint air–ground operations. This induction underscores a broader push to modernise India’s defence forces with cutting-edge technologies.

As the remaining helicopters join service later this year, the Army Aviation Corps will ramp up training exercises and joint drills to fully harness the Apache’s capabilities. Longer term, the platform’s interoperability with UAVs and light attack helicopters will further diversify India’s aerial combat toolkit, strengthening readiness across multiple theatres of operation.

Airbus and Tata Group To Produce H125 Helicopter, the Only to Have Landed on Mt. Everest

On this year's Republic Day of India French President Emmanuel Macron visited India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. During his this visit, Airbus Helicopters, (formerly Eurocopter Group) the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus, announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in India.

The FAL, which will be India’s first helicopter Final Assembly Line in the private sector, will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and will even export to few of India’s neighbouring countries.

The H125-series helicopters (previously designated the AS350 B3e) is a single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs. It is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated 38 million flight hours worldwide.

Airbus claims that the H125-series helicopters have made number of world records. In 2005, the H125 set the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet). And in May 2013, the AS350 B3 (H125) performed the world's highest long-line rescue operation on Lhotse, the world's 4th-highest mountain, located in the Himalayas at 7,800 metres (25,590 feet).

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

The H125 series helicopters can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others.

Headquartered in Marignane, France, Airbus Helicopters will set up the helicopter manufacturing facility in India in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group.

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

 
To recall, TASL has also inked a contract with Airbus rival firm Boeing recently, to manufacture and supply advanced composite assemblies for Boeing 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner. Tata's TASL will manufacture these components from its manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru and Nagpur.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine.

The proposed H125 helicopter manufacturing facility will be the second FAL to be established in India by Airbus, leveraging Tata Group's TASL’s capabilities in aerospace and defence. The two companies are already building the C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said, “The Tata Group is delighted to set up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. This facility will have the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single engine helicopter for the Indian as well as export markets.”

Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India will catalyse the use of helicopters in the country. This multi-mission workhorse will revolutionise passenger and goods transportation and will also be used for segments such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism and aerial work missions. Providing last mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) that will further promote the tourism sector in the country.