SOURCE: AFI
On February 26, 2025, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, visited the Airbus facility in Marseille, France, reinforcing India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge global aerospace technology into its defense ecosystem. During the visit, General Dwivedi was briefed on Airbus’s advancements in aviation technology, defense systems, and aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on rotary-wing aviation—an area of growing strategic importance for the Indian Army. The visit underscores the Army’s intent to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen defense preparedness through collaboration with one of the world’s leading aerospace pioneers.
The Marseille facility, a hub for Airbus Helicopters, provided General Dwivedi with a firsthand look at the company’s state-of-the-art offerings. Airbus, a global leader in civil and military aviation, showcased its expertise in designing and manufacturing helicopters, defense systems, and advanced aerospace solutions. The COAS received detailed briefings on cutting-edge technologies, including lightweight composite materials, next-generation avionics, and hybrid propulsion systems that enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and survivability in combat environments.
A key highlight of the visit was Airbus’s rotary-wing portfolio, which includes platforms like the H125, H145M, and the H225M—versatile helicopters designed for troop transport, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and armed missions. These systems align closely with the Indian Army’s need for agile, high-altitude-capable helicopters to operate in challenging terrains like the Himalayas and along India’s northern borders.
The Indian Army’s focus on rotary-wing aviation has gained urgency amid evolving security dynamics, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Helicopters play a critical role in rapid troop deployment, logistics support, and precision strikes in rugged, high-altitude regions where fixed-wing aircraft face limitations. General Dwivedi’s visit to Marseille signals a strategic intent to modernize and expand this capability, leveraging Airbus’s expertise to bridge gaps in the Army’s current fleet.
The Army currently operates a mix of indigenous Dhruv helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and aging platforms like the Chetak and Cheetah, which are being phased out. While the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are in development, collaboration with global players like Airbus could accelerate the induction of advanced systems and provide technological know-how for future joint projects.
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