In a strategic move set to reshape India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing landscape, Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of the Adani Group, has entered a landmark partnership with the Italian aerospace and defence major, Leonardo. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to establish a comprehensive, integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem within India.
The partnership directly targets the significant and growing requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, which are projected to need over 1,000 new helicopters in the next decade. Initially, the focus will be on the assembly, manufacture, and progressive indigenization of Leonardo’s advanced multi-role helicopters, notably the AW169M and the AW109 TrekkerM models. These helicopters are sought for a range of missions, including utility, surveillance, and training.
Beyond manufacturing, the alliance envisions creating a complete helicopter “ecosystem.” This includes developing robust Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, comprehensive pilot and technician training programs, and a localized supply chain for components. The initiative is a significant leap forward for India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and bolster national defence readiness.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, described the alliance as a “pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India.” He emphasized that merging Leonardo’s global technological excellence with Adani’s industrial execution capabilities would generate high-skill employment and position India as a global aerospace hub.
Echoing this sentiment, Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, stated the partnership “realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing,” and will be crucial in accelerating indigenization and establishing India as a world-class production base for rotary-wing aircraft.
From Leonardo’s perspective, Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, expressed pleasure in joining forces with Adani. “We’re extremely pleased to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry,” he said, highlighting the goal of enabling India to access modern technology and operational capabilities.
The economic and strategic implications of this partnership are substantial. It promises to generate thousands of skilled jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Furthermore, by creating a domestic hub for helicopter production and sustainment, the collaboration has the potential to eventually cater to civil aviation needs and integrate into the global aerospace supply chain, cementing India’s position as a competitive player in the international defence manufacturing arena. This partnership is more than a business deal; it is a cornerstone for building long-term defence autonomy and technological prowess.
