- Strategic MoU targets indigenous design, manufacturing, MRO and training for military helicopters
- Partnership to address surging demand of Indian Armed Forces, including AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM
- Phased indigenisation to seed a full-fledged Indian helicopter ecosystem with global supply-chain linkages
- Civil aviation opportunities and export potential to follow defence-led scale-up
- Move strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, creates high-skill jobs and positions India as a global rotorcraft hub
NE AVIATION BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEB 3
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italian aerospace major Leonardo have entered into a strategic partnership to create a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, marking a significant leap in the country’s defence aviation and self-reliance ambitions.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies will collaborate to develop, manufacture, and sustain helicopters in India, addressing the rapidly expanding requirements of the Indian Armed Forces while laying the foundation for India to emerge as a future global hub for helicopter manufacturing.
The programme will focus initially on meeting military requirements, particularly for Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. It will encompass phased indigenisation, establishment of robust maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training solutions within the country.
By combining Leonardo’s globally proven helicopter design, engineering and technology leadership with Adani Defence & Aerospace’s integrated industrial and defence manufacturing capabilities, the partnership directly advances the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Beyond defence, the ecosystem is designed with the flexibility to extend into civil helicopter demand and integrate with international aerospace supply chains.
The initiative is expected to deliver significant economic and industrial impact, generating thousands of high-skill jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and sustainment services, while strengthening India’s long-term defence preparedness and aerospace competitiveness.
Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, said: “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 realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, said: “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 Adani–Leonardo partnership is poised to reshape India’s aerospace landscape—boosting defence autonomy, deepening industrial capability, and positioning the country as a trusted global centre for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.
