PM Modi calls France a ‘special partner’, inaugurates H-125 helicopter assembly line with Macron
The facility will produce 500 helicopters over 20 years, boosting jobs and aerospace growth while enhancing India-France defense cooperation, officials said.
- On February 17, 2026, Tata Advanced Systems Limited inaugurated India’s first private-sector H125 Final Assembly Line at Vemagal, Karnataka, virtually opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the visit elevated bilateral ties by agreeing to a special global strategic partnership and announcing the Indo‑French Centre for AI in Health, the Indo‑French Centre for Digital Science and Technology, and expanded cooperation in critical minerals, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
- Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said 500 H125 helicopters will be manufactured over 20 years, with the first 'Made in India' H125 expected early 2027, making Karnataka the world’s fourth H125 FAL site.
- Local officials confirmed the project will create jobs, with investment anticipated to exceed 1,000 crore and 17 acres of land allotted.
- Macron arrived in Mumbai late Monday and India and France renewed defence cooperation for 10 years, noting a potential military variant of the H125 and plans to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
12 Articles
12 Articles
₹1,000 cr boost to India-France ties: Modi-Macron open Tata-Airbus H-125 assembly line in Karnataka
India’s Tata Group and European aviation major Airbus have inaugurated a final assembly line for the H-125 helicopter in Karnataka under the Make in India initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually launched the facility, calling it a symbol of deep strategic trust between the two nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the H-125 programme investment is expected to cross Rs 1000 crore and generate…
India France Special Global Strategic Partnership Announced
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron marked a major milestone in bilateral ties as they inaugurated the H-125 helicopter final assembly line in Karnataka, highlighting the growing India France Special Global Strategic Partnership. PM Shri @narendramodi and President of France Mr. @EmmanuelMacron virtually inaugurated the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters at Vemagal (Karnataka) today. Congratulations to the te…
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