In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing ambitions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the final assembly line for H-125 helicopters at Vemgal in Karnataka on Tuesday. This joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus Helicopters marks a milestone in the nation’s push towards self-reliance.
Singh hailed the initiative as a game-changer for India’s defense sector. Speaking at the event, he congratulated the teams involved and emphasized how this project exemplifies India’s commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships with friendly nations in high-end manufacturing.
The minister highlighted the growing trend of foreign companies sourcing critical components from Indian MSMEs. He urged them to deepen these ties, facilitate meaningful technology transfers, and collaborate on advanced solutions that address security needs not just in India but globally.
Underpinning these efforts are the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, cornerstones of India’s economic policy since 2014. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they aim to make India self-sufficient in critical technologies and high-end products.
Over the past decade, India has invested heavily in infrastructure, capital in key sectors, and production-linked incentives (PLI). Coupled with liberalized investment policies, this has created a welcoming environment for global firms.
The H-125 program alone is poised to attract over ₹1,000 crore in investments, generating direct and indirect jobs, especially for skilled youth. Such projects strengthen manufacturing capabilities and local supply chains.
Singh noted reforms like the corporatization of ordnance factories, defense industrial corridors, and policy liberalizations have elevated private sector contribution to nearly a quarter of total defense production. Defense exports have surged manifold, positioning India among top exporters.
MSMEs and ancillary industries have proliferated to over 16,000, bolstered by government support for startups and small enterprises. This assembly line, Singh asserted, will be a pivotal milestone in this transformative journey.