France’s Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin highlighted the significance of the H125 helicopter assembly facility established in India, emphasizing the milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Speaking at the inauguration in Vemagal, Karnataka, Vautrin praised the collaboration between India and France, emphasizing trust, ambition, and innovation as key pillars of their partnership.
Vautrin underscored the joint efforts of both nations in building capabilities, enhancing sovereignty, and preparing for future challenges through strategic collaborations. She expressed France’s pride in working with India and the commitment to further strengthening their relationship in the years ahead. The Defence Minister recalled the announcement made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in January 2020 regarding the establishment of the H125 helicopter manufacturing facility, noting that this commitment has now been realized.
Highlighting the progress in the C295 programme in India, Vautrin emphasized the strength of the strategic partnership between the two countries. She pointed out how the collaboration between French technical expertise and India’s capabilities supports the Make in India initiative in the space and defence sectors. Vautrin emphasized that the assembly line symbolizes mutual trust, shared priorities, and a forward-looking relationship between India and France, aiming to enhance India’s capabilities and create opportunities for French industry in the long term.
The Defence Minister confirmed that while the facility will initially focus on assembling H125 helicopters, it is also prepared to support the future assembly of military variants. She reiterated France’s commitment to meeting India’s defence needs, highlighting the potential for deepening industrial cooperation and enhancing resilience on both sides. Vautrin also acknowledged Airbus, supported by the French government, as a market leader capable of making a significant contribution to India, emphasizing the new facility’s importance in strengthening the relationship between the two countries in the space and defence sectors.
