Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will virtually inaugurate the H125 light utility helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) on February 17, marking a step forward in India-France ties.
The facility, at the Tata-Airbus plant in Karnataka, will assemble the H125 helicopter for the domestic market and serve export demand from neighbouring countries. The project is being positioned as a boost to India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing ambitions and as a symbol of industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Paris.
European aerospace major Airbus has described the Indian FAL as part of its long-term strategy to expand the country’s aviation ecosystem. The H125, among the company’s highest-selling civil helicopters worldwide, is widely used for emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, law enforcement, and other utility roles.
The inauguration coincides with engagements around the India-France Annual Defence Dialogue, underlining the strategic dimension of bilateral ties. Defence cooperation has emerged as a cornerstone of the partnership, spanning joint exercises, technology transfer, and advanced platforms.
The development comes as India moves ahead with plans to further expand its fleet of Dassault Rafale jets, reinforcing combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The Rafales are produced by Dassault Aviation and already constitute a key component of India’s frontline air power. Additional acquisitions are expected to further consolidate defence ties with France.
Officials have emphasised that the helicopter assembly line represents more than a manufacturing milestone. By linking domestic production with global supply chains, the initiative is expected to create skilled jobs, enhance technological capabilities, and attract further investment into India’s growing aerospace sector.
President Macron will be on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. During the trip, he will attend the AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral talks in Mumbai. This will be his fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai at approximately 3:15 PM on February 17 to review progress under the India-France strategic partnership and explore cooperation in areas such as defence, innovation, and emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, Mumbai is gearing up for the high-profile visit with extensive security measures. The Mumbai Traffic Police has announced that Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will be barred from both northbound and southbound lanes of the Western Express Highway (WEH) from 8 AM to 9 PM on February 17. The restrictions will apply between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka, a crucial arterial stretch serving the city’s western suburbs.Officials said the nearly 13-hour curbs are part of standard VVIP security arrangements aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring smooth movement during the visit. However, the restrictions are likely to impact thousands of commuters and commercial transport operators across Mumbai.
