India and France Upgrade Ties: Modi and Macron Inaugurate H125 Helicopter Facility in Karnataka

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have officially inaugurated India’s first private helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. This new facility is a partnership between Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). It will build the H125 single-engine helicopter for India and nearby countries.

This move makes France a ‘special partner’ for India. It also helps the ‘Make in India’ plan by moving high-tech buildings from government factories to private companies. This project is a major step forward for the country's aviation industry.

A New Era for Indian Aviation Manufacturing

The new Vemagal factory changes how India builds aircraft. For a long time, only government companies built helicopters, but now, a private partnership will lead the way. The H125 is known globally for its versatility and its unique distinction as the only helicopter to have ever landed on Mount Everest. The first Indian-made H125 should be ready by early 2027.

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The factory will put together large parts, electronics, and engines. It will also test the helicopters before they fly. "This partnership is a watershed for 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' in aerospace, marking the first time the Indian private sector will undertake the manufacturing, integration, testing, and maintenance of a sophisticated rotary-wing platform," stated N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, as reported by Airbus.

How Will the H125 Project Impact Local Suppliers and Jobs?

This project is about more than just a handshake between leaders, as it will help many small businesses across India. The project involves an investment of over Rs. 1,000 crore. This money will help create thousands of jobs for young workers. The factory will not just put kits together. It plans to use more Indian-made parts over time. This helps the whole country grow its technical skills.

Many small and medium-sized companies will join the supply chain. According to News Arena India, "The growth trajectory has given a massive boost to MSMEs and ancillary sectors, which have grown to over 16,000 in number, with many foreign companies sourcing components from Indian MSMEs," noted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

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In six months, we expect many local shops in Karnataka to start making parts for Airbus. These companies will learn how to meet high global standards, which makes India a better place for other global companies to build their products too.