Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo have signed a landmark agreement to establish a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, targeting both military self-reliance and long-term export potential.
The non-binding MoU, announced on [date], outlines a phased roadmap for the indigenous production of Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. These twin-engine, multi-role platforms are designed to meet the Indian Armed Forces’ projected requirement of over 1,000 helicopters over the next decade, spanning reconnaissance, troop transport, and search-and-rescue missions.
Beyond final assembly, the partnership envisions deep indigenisation across the supply chain. Key pillars include setting up dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, establishing pilot and technician training academies, and progressively integrating locally sourced components. The initiative aims to reduce import dependence while embedding India within Leonardo’s global supply network.
For Adani, the collaboration consolidates its position as India’s only private sector entity offering end-to-end defence aerospace capabilities—from composite materials and munitions to unmanned systems and now rotary-wing platforms. Leonardo brings decades of rotorcraft engineering pedigree, with over 5,000 helicopters delivered worldwide across its product range.
“This is not merely a licensing agreement; it is about building foundational capability,” said Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace. “We are creating an ecosystem that will generate thousands of high-value jobs, foster ancillary industries, and eventually enable India to export complete helicopters.”
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, emphasised the strategic timing: “As the Armed Forces accelerate modernisation, sovereign manufacturing of critical platforms is non-negotiable. This partnership bridges the gap between immediate operational needs and long-term industrial policy objectives.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, noted the mutual benefit: “India is among the world’s most significant emerging rotorcraft markets. By joining forces with Adani, we are investing in a partnership that combines global technological leadership with local industrial momentum. This is about delivering capability, not just equipment.”
The economic ripple effects are expected to be substantial. Estimates suggest the ecosystem could support thousands of skilled roles across engineering, avionics, airframe assembly, and sustainment services. The programme also opens downstream opportunities in civil aviation—including disaster relief, medical evacuation, and offshore transport—once core military objectives are met.
The partnership marks a departure from traditional buyer-seller defence ties. Instead, it models a co-development framework where intellectual property, manufacturing know-how, and aftermarket support are progressively localised. If executed fully, it could position India as a competitive hub for helicopter production, capable of serving allied nations and non-aligned markets alike.
Both parties will now work toward definitive agreements, with initial deliverables expected to include facility establishment and technology transfer milestones. The initiative aligns squarely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence push, which seeks to develop domestic champions capable of replacing imported platforms with locally built alternatives.
