Adani Defence & Aerospace on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian aerospace company Leonardo to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, aimed at meeting the growing requirements of the Indian armed forces and strengthening self-reliance in defence production.
Under the partnership, the companies will focus on meeting the Indian military’s demand for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The collaboration will include phased indigenisation, development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training solutions, according to a joint statement.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
The companies said the partnership would combine Leonardo’s helicopter design and engineering expertise with Adani’s defence and aerospace capabilities to advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, strengthen national defence preparedness, and potentially expand into civil aviation and global supply chains in the future.
The development comes days after Adani Defence & Aerospace signed a separate MoU with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to manufacture aircraft in India and build a regional transport aircraft ecosystem.
Adani Defence & Aerospace Director Jeet Adani said the alliance would help create a resilient helicopter manufacturing base in India, generate high-skill employment, and position the country as a global aerospace hub.
Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said the Indian armed forces are expected to require more than 1,000 helicopters over the next decade, and the partnership would accelerate indigenisation, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base.
The military’s projected requirements include light utility helicopters, medium-lift platforms, and maritime multi-role helicopters.
In 2021, the Indian government lifted its suspension on Leonardo and its subsidiary AgustaWestland, which had been imposed in 2014 following allegations of irregularities related to a ₹3,727-crore VVIP helicopter procurement contract.
