Skyward partnership: India and France elevate defence ties

February 18, 2026 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani

Strong strategic partnerships transform industries while expanding influence and redefining long-term global ambitions.

Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated a new helicopter assembly line in India yesterday.

The facility is located in Vemagal, Karnataka. It reflects deepening industrial cooperation between France and India.

The collaboration unites Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus to produce the H125 helicopter within India.

This advanced light helicopter is renowned for its high-altitude performance and is uniquely capable of operating in extreme conditions, including flights at altitudes comparable to those of Mount Everest.

Modi highlighted the symbolic importance of this capability. He said the partnership now stretches from oceans to mountains.

Moreover, the helicopters will serve both domestic and export markets. Production in India strengthens the country’s aerospace ecosystem.

The ‘Made in India’ H125 will support armed forces in high-altitude missions. It will also expand civil and para-public operations.

Therefore, the helicopter fits both defence and commercial needs. Operations along the Himalayan frontier will particularly benefit.

Additionally, the partners plan to build the military-focused H125M variant at this facility. This version will feature significant indigenous components. As a result, India will gain advanced manufacturing expertise.

Deliveries of the first locally assembled helicopter are expected in early 2027. Exports to South Asian markets will follow. Meanwhile, leaders discussed broader cooperation in defence, trade, energy, and technology.

Macron arrived in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi. He is attending the AI Impact Summit during his visit. Afterwards, both leaders will launch the India-France Year of Innovation.

Earlier, India cleared a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from France. The programme ranks among the world’s largest defence deals. Furthermore, it signals sustained trust between the two nations.

Thus, the new helicopter line represents more than manufacturing progress. It underscores a strategic alliance built on technology, defence, and shared ambition.

Image Credit: Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons