Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo Forge Strategic Partnership to Build India's Helicopter Ecosystem

Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into a strategic partnership with global aerospace major Leonardo to develop a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country's defence self-reliance.

The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing, manufacturing and sustaining helicopters in India to meet the growing requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The collaboration is also expected to position India as a future global hub for helicopter manufacturing.

Under the partnership, the focus will be on meeting military requirements, particularly for Leonardo's AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The programme will include phased indigenisation, establishment of maintenance,repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and pilot training capabilities within the country.

Adani Defence & Aerospace, the defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd, will leverage its end-to-end manufacturing and industrial capabilities, while Leonardo will bring its global expertise in helicopter design and engineering. The initiative aligns with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and aims to strengthen national defence preparedness.

According to the companies, the helicopter ecosystem has the potential to be expanded beyond military use to cater to domestic civil aviation requirements and to integrate Indian manufacturing into international supply chains. The partnership is also expected to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and sustainment services.

Commenting on the development, Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence &Aerospace, said the collaboration with Leonardo would help create are silient and future-ready helicopter ecosystem in India, while driving high-skill employment and long-term industrial value.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, noted that the Indian Armed Forces are projected to require more than 1,000 helicopters over the next decade, and the partnership would help accelerate indigenisation and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Piero Cutillo said the company was pleased to contribute to India's growing rotorcraft industry and support access to modern helicopter technologies through the collaboration.

The strategic partnership is expected to play a key role in redefining India's aerospace landscape, strengthening defence autonomy and enhancing the country's position as a trusted global centre for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.