Karnataka’s Vemgal has become the new epicenter of India’s aerospace innovation with the launch of the H-125 helicopter final assembly line. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who presided over the inauguration, described it as a monumental step forward for indigenous defense production.
Partnering with Airbus Helicopters, Tata Advanced Systems is driving this venture, which promises substantial economic ripple effects. Singh praised the collaboration, noting it advances high-level manufacturing partnerships with allies.
He pointed to the influx of foreign firms tapping into India’s MSME ecosystem for vital parts. ‘Deepen this synergy,’ he appealed, ‘through tech transfers and joint innovation for global security challenges.’
Echoing the spirit of ‘Make in India’ and self-reliance drives kickstarted in 2014, Singh credited PM Modi’s vision for propelling India towards autonomy in strategic manufacturing.
Massive infrastructure builds, PLI schemes, and investor-friendly policies over ten years have fueled industrial acceleration, drawing international giants to Indian shores.
With investments exceeding ₹1,000 crore, the H-125 facility will spawn thousands of jobs, empowering the workforce and fortifying supply networks.
Key reforms—including ordnance board corporatization and defense corridors—have boosted private participation to 25% of defense output. Exports have skyrocketed, elevating India’s global stature, while MSMEs now exceed 16,000, thriving under startup-focused policies.
This inauguration, Singh confidently predicted, heralds a new era of defense self-sufficiency.