India’s Defence Exports Rise as Tata-Airbus Launch Final Assembly Line
PM Modi, Macron Inaugurate Tata-Airbus H-125 Helicopter Assembly Line in Karnataka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the final assembly line of the H-125 helicopter in Vemgal, Karnataka — marking a significant milestone in Indo-French defence cooperation.
The facility is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters, aimed at strengthening India’s domestic helicopter manufacturing capabilities. The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, and Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh reflected on how India’s defence production landscape has evolved. “Earlier, defence manufacturing was largely concentrated in the government sector, limiting the role of private companies. But today, the situation has changed,” he said.
The Defence Minister noted that India’s defence exports have grown significantly in recent years, placing the country among emerging global defence exporters. He highlighted how this growth has positively impacted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and ancillary industries, with several global companies now sourcing components from Indian firms.
PM Modi, President Macron Launch Tata-Airbus Helicopter Project in Vemgal
Singh invited foreign partners to deepen collaboration with India, share advanced technologies, and work together to address global security challenges.
He also revealed that more than ₹1,000 crore will be invested in the H-125 helicopter programme. The project is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for young professionals in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
Calling the facility a strong example of public-private cooperation, Singh congratulated the teams at Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters. He described the initiative as a step forward in high-tech manufacturing partnerships with friendly nations.
The Defence Minister also linked the project to flagship initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ emphasizing that since 2014, India has undertaken large-scale industrial reforms, launched defence industrial corridors, and promoted private sector participation to achieve self-reliance in advanced equipment production.
He added that the private sector now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total defence production — a sign of the country’s shifting and modernizing defence ecosystem.
The inauguration of the H-125 final assembly line not only strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities but also reinforces the growing strategic partnership between India and France in defence and technology cooperation.
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