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India-France Boost Defence Ties with New Airbus Helicopter Assembly Line

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin inaugurated the final assembly line for Airbus H-125 helicopters in Vemagal, Karnataka. The project represents an investment anticipated to exceed Rs 1000 crore and is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment. The event underscores the deepening and ambitious defence cooperation between India and France, a major pillar of their strategic partnership. Singh highlighted how privatization has propelled growth in India's defence sector, leading to a manifold increase in exports.

Key Points: India, France Launch Airbus H-125 Helicopter Assembly Line

  • Inaugurates Airbus H125 assembly line
  • Rs 1000+ crore investment expected
  • Aims to create skilled jobs
  • Boosts India's defence exports
  • Strengthens India-France strategic ties
2 min read

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French counterpart attend inaugural ceremony of final assembly line of Airbus H-125 helicopters

Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh & Catherine Vautrin inaugurate Airbus H-125 final assembly line in Karnataka, bolstering strategic partnership.

"Deep, dynamic, and ambitious, the French-Indian defense cooperation constitutes a major pillar of our strategic partnership. - Catherine Vautrin"

Vemagal, February 17

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin attended the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of Airbus H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Karnataka. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also present.

Vautrin called the India-France defence cooperation as dynamic and ambitious.

In a post on X, she said, "As part of the official visit of the President of the Republic to India, I am in Bangalore alongside Rajnath Singh, the Indian Minister of Defense, to illustrate the strength of our defense cooperation. Deep, dynamic, and ambitious, the French-Indian defense cooperation constitutes a major pillar of our strategic partnership and is strengthening across all sectors, both operational and capability-related."

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the final assembly line of H-125 helicopters at Vemagal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Coming to the unveiling of the final assembly line that we are witnessing today, the H-125 program investment is anticipated to exceed Rs 1000 crore and is likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for our skilled and hard working younger generation."

Singh further said that privatization has propelled growth in this sector.

He said, "Historically, Indian defence production was largely public sector oriented due to various reasons. As a result, the private sector's contribution to total defence production and exports was less than desirable. Our defence exports have increased manifold, putting India among the top defence exporters in the world. This growth trajectory has also given a massive boost to MSMEs and the ancillary sector... A large number of foreign companies currently source many components from Indian MSMEs. We invite companies, to deepen this partnership through meaningful technology transfer and offer advanced solutions to meet the security needs of other countries as well."

Vautrin's visit is with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held delegation-level talks with Macron in Mumbai to further strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.

The talks took place at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan, where the two leaders led their respective delegations in discussions covering a wide range of issues of mutual interest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see Karnataka getting such a major project. Hope the employment opportunities truly reach the local skilled workforce and not just remain on paper. The focus on MSMEs is a positive step.
R
Rohit P
France has been a reliable partner for decades, from Mirage to Rafale and now this. Much better than dealing with unpredictable allies. Hope the technology transfer is meaningful and not just assembly of knocked-down kits.
S
Sarah B
While the investment and jobs are welcome, I hope environmental clearances and land acquisition for the Vemagal facility were done transparently and with fair compensation to locals. Development must be inclusive.
V
Vikram M
The H-125 is a workhorse helicopter. Having a final assembly line here will boost our maintenance and operational readiness for both civil and military use. A smart move by the government and Airbus.
K
Karthik V
Defence exports growing is the real story here! From being a top importer to now among top exporters in a few years is phenomenal. This partnership will help us cater to the global market. Jai Hind!

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