New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, aimed at meeting the future requirements of the Indian armed forces and strengthening domestic defence production.
Under the partnership, the two companies will focus on catering to military needs for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The collaboration will include phased indigenisation of manufacturing, development of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, and the creation of comprehensive pilot training capabilities in India, the companies said in a joint statement.
The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu, reflecting the government’s push to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to the statement, the partnership combines Leonardo’s helicopter design and engineering expertise with Adani Defence & Aerospace’s industrial and defence manufacturing capabilities. It is expected to strengthen India’s defence preparedness and could later be expanded to civil aviation applications and integration into global aerospace supply chains.
Adani Defence & Aerospace Director Jeet Adani described the collaboration as a significant step towards building a resilient helicopter ecosystem in the country. He said the initiative would create high-skilled employment, generate long-term industrial value and help position India as a global aerospace hub.
Chief Executive Officer Ashish Rajvanshi noted that the Indian armed forces are expected to require more than 1,000 helicopters over the next decade, spanning light utility, medium-lift and maritime multi-role platforms. He said the partnership with Leonardo would accelerate indigenisation, strengthen domestic supply chains and establish India as a world-class production base for helicopters.
The MoU with Leonardo comes shortly after Adani Defence & Aerospace entered into a similar agreement with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to develop an integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India.
Leonardo, formerly known as Finmeccanica, had been removed in 2021 from a government list that restricted business dealings following earlier allegations linked to its subsidiary AgustaWestland. The restrictions were imposed after the termination of a ₹3,727 crore VVIP helicopter deal in 2014 over bribery allegations. The current partnership signals a renewed engagement as India seeks to expand its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
