Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the final assembly line (FAL) of the H-125 light utility helicopter at Vemagal in Karnataka, marking a major step in deepening India-France defence and aerospace collaboration. The facility has been set up by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with European aerospace major Airbus and is the first private-sector helicopter final assembly line in India. It is located at the Vemagal Industrial Area in Kolar district.
Officials said the unit will undertake assembly, integration, testing, and delivery of the H-125 helicopters for civil and military customers in India and abroad. The H-125 is a versatile single-engine helicopter widely used for passenger transport, emergency medical services, law enforcement, disaster relief and utility operations, including high-altitude missions.
Addressing the virtual event, Modi said the facility reflects India’s growing capabilities in advanced aerospace manufacturing and underlined the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Macron described the project as a symbol of the strong strategic partnership between the two countries and reiterated France’s commitment to expanding cooperation in defence, technology and innovation.
According to officials, the final assembly line will initially produce helicopters for the Indian market and is expected to cater to export demand in the coming years. The project is also likely to create direct and indirect employment opportunities and foster the development of a local supply chain ecosystem involving micro, small and medium enterprises.
The leaders noted that India and France have significantly expanded cooperation in recent years, particularly in the areas of defence, space, civil nuclear energy and emerging technologies. The inauguration of the H-125 assembly line is seen as another milestone in the long-standing bilateral partnership.
The first India-assembled H-125 helicopter is expected to roll out next year, officials added.