Our Bureau
Mumbai
In a landmark boost to India-France defence ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the two nations will jointly manufacture the world’s only helicopter capable of reaching Mount Everest’s height at a new assembly line in India. The Airbus H125 facility in Vemagal, Karnataka, was virtually inaugurated by Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on February 17, 2026. This “Made in India” chopper, set for first delivery in early 2027, will serve civil, emergency, law enforcement and export markets, including South Asia.
Modi hailed the project as a symbol of “deep trust” with “no boundaries,” spanning oceans to mountains. “We are proud that India and France together will manufacture this helicopter in India and export it globally,” he said during a joint briefing in Mumbai alongside Macron, who called India a “trusted partner” expanding from Rafale jets to submarines.
The H125 light utility helicopter assembly underscores strategic defence-industrial collaboration, enhancing India’s aerospace hub status and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It promises workforce skilling, job creation and indigenous manufacturing prowess. The partnership aligns with broader pacts, including AI-health centres and aeronautics excellence hubs launched concurrently.
France’s Airbus partners with Tata for production, reflecting years of growing ties, from 2024 roadmaps on co-designing hardware to recent weapon pacts. Modi noted the inauguration as a “shining example” of high-tech synergy, positioning India as a global exporter. Macron echoed commitments to rule of law, anti-terrorism and joint ventures amid bilateral upgrades.
This initiative fortifies defence supply chains, eyeing land, sea, cyber and space domains. As Modi hosts Macron, defence deals signal elevated “Special Global Strategic Partnership,” propelling India-France from choppers to cutting-edge frontiers.
