Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited the Airbus Helicopters Facility in Marseille on Wednesday during his official tour of France. The company anticipates a demand for 500 H125 helicopters in India and South Asia over the next two decades.
Gen Dwivedi is on a four-day visit from February 24 to 27, aimed at bolstering bilateral military cooperation and exploring new avenues for strategic collaboration. At the Airbus facility, he received a detailed briefing on cutting-edge aviation technologies, advanced defence systems, and aerospace innovations that Airbus has pioneered. His visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging global aerospace advancements to enhance operational capabilities, particularly in rotary-wing aviation, the Army said.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS visited the Airbus Facility at Marseille where he was briefed on cutting edge aviation technology, defence systems and aerospace engineering that Airbus has pioneered.
This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging global… pic.twitter.com/nHXJfogCX4
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 26, 2025
The H125, which Airbus is eyeing for potential orders, is a highly versatile single-engine light utility helicopter. As the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class, the H125 can be adapted for multiple configurations and equipped with various weapon systems. Part of Airbus’ renowned Ecureuil family, the helicopter has amassed over 40 million flight hours worldwide. Designed to perform in high-altitude and extreme conditions, the H125 can be rapidly reconfigured for missions ranging from aerial work and firefighting to law enforcement, search and rescue, air ambulance services, and passenger transport.
As part of his visit, Gen Dwivedi also engaged in high-level discussions with his French counterpart, Gen Pierre Schill, on Monday. He later toured the 3rd Division of the French Army at Fort Ganteaume, where he was briefed on the division’s role and ongoing plans for joint Indo-French military training. Discussions included preparations for Exercise Shakti, an annual bilateral military drill designed to enhance interoperability and synergy in joint tactical operations. This year’s edition is scheduled to take place in France.
Gen Dwivedi’s visit marks a significant step in deepening Indo-French defence cooperation, reinforcing shared strategic interests, and expanding collaboration in critical military domains.
Team BharatShakti
