New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace, the defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global aerospace and defence major Leonardo to establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
The partnership marks a major step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.
Focus on Military Helicopter Requirements
The collaboration will primarily address the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, with a focus on Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The programme will follow a phased indigenisation approach, covering manufacturing, assembly, testing and long-term sustainment.
In addition to production, the partnership will establish robust maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, along with comprehensive pilot training capabilities. These elements are aimed at ensuring lifecycle support and operational readiness for military platforms.
Advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat
By combining Leonardo’s helicopter design and engineering expertise with Adani Defence’s manufacturing scale and defence ecosystem capabilities, the initiative supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The integrated ecosystem is expected to strengthen national defence preparedness while creating pathways for future civil aviation applications and integration into global supply chains.
The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits, including thousands of high-skill jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and sustainment services. It positions India as a competitive global hub for helicopter production.
Leadership Perspectives
Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, stated, “This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India. Merging global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will drive enduring value, high-skill employment, and alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse.”
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace, added, “With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realises our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenisation, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, affirmed, “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry, and to enable the country to access the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavour, leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions.”
The strategic partnership is expected to redefine India’s aerospace landscape by enhancing defence autonomy and positioning the country as a trusted global centre for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.
