Adani Defence & Leonardo Partner to Build Helicopters in India
Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of Adani Enterprises, has signed an important agreement with Leonardo, a global leader in defence and aerospace. This partnership aims to create a complete helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, helping the country meet growing military needs and reduce dependence on imports.
Focus on Indian Armed Forces’ Helicopter Needs
The partnership will mainly serve the Indian Armed Forces, which are expected to require a large number of helicopters in the coming years. The collaboration will focus on manufacturing Leonardo’s advanced AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters in India.
Key areas of focus include:
- Gradual increase in locally manufactured components (phased indigenisation)
- Strong maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities within India
- Comprehensive pilot and technical training programs
Combining Global Technology with Indian Manufacturing Strength
Leonardo brings its world-class expertise in helicopter design, engineering, and advanced technology. Adani Defence contributes its strong manufacturing capabilities, defence infrastructure, and experience in handling large-scale aerospace projects.
Together, they aim to:
- Build helicopters fully in India
- Strengthen domestic defence production
- Support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission
Strengthening India’s Defence and Aerospace Ecosystem
This partnership will not only improve defence preparedness but also support India’s long-term aerospace ambitions. Over time, the manufacturing ecosystem may expand beyond defence into:
- Civil aviation applications
- Global aerospace supply chains
- Exports to international markets
Major Economic and Employment Impact
The helicopter manufacturing ecosystem is expected to generate significant economic benefits for India. It will create thousands of high-skill jobs across multiple areas such as:
- Engineering and design
- Manufacturing and assembly
- Logistics and supply chain
- Maintenance and sustainment services
This will help India emerge as a competitive global hub for helicopter production.
Leadership Views on the Strategic Partnership
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said the partnership marks a major step toward building a strong and future-ready helicopter industry in India. He highlighted that combining global technology with Indian industrial strength will create long-term value and high-quality jobs.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, noted that the Indian Armed Forces are expected to need over 1,000 helicopters in the next decade. He emphasized that this partnership supports sovereign manufacturing and strengthens India’s defence supply chains.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating that it will help India gain access to modern helicopter technology and improve operational capabilities through shared expertise.
A Defining Step for India’s Aerospace Future
This strategic alliance marks a major shift in India’s defence and aerospace landscape. By boosting local manufacturing, enhancing technological capabilities, and creating skilled employment, the Adani–Leonardo partnership strengthens India’s defence independence and positions the country as a trusted global centre for helicopter manufacturing and support.
About Leonardo
Leonardo is a global industrial company and a leading player in the aerospace, defence, and security (AD&S) sector. Employing around 60,000 people worldwide, the group supports international security needs through its operations in helicopters, electronics, aeronautics, cyber & security, and space.
The company plays a key role in major international programmes, including Eurofighter, JSF, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, Eurodrone, and others. Leonardo operates major production facilities across Italy, the UK, Poland, and the United States.
Its business model is strengthened through subsidiaries, joint ventures, and strategic equity investments, such as Leonardo DRS (71.4%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (19.3%).
Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange under the ticker LDO, Leonardo reported €20.9 billion in new orders in 2024, with an order backlog of €44.2 billion and consolidated revenues of €17.8 billion. The company is part of the MIB ESG index and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) continuously since 2010.
Analysis of the Adani–Leonardo Partnership
1. Strategic Importance
This MoU is strategically significant as it strengthens India’s defence autonomy. By localising helicopter manufacturing, India reduces import dependence and improves long-term military readiness.
2. Alignment with National Policy
The partnership strongly supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and “Make in India” initiatives by enabling phased indigenisation, domestic MRO, and skill development within the country.
3. Defence Readiness & Scale
With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1,000 helicopters in the next decade, this collaboration addresses a large, assured market and ensures timely availability of modern platforms.
4. Technology Transfer & Capability Building
Leonardo’s advanced helicopter design and engineering capabilities combined with Adani’s manufacturing infrastructure create a foundation for technology absorption and long-term capability building.
5. Economic & Employment Impact
The ecosystem is expected to generate thousands of high-skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, training, and sustainment, delivering strong multiplier effects for the economy.
6. Supply Chain & Export Potential
Over time, the partnership can integrate Indian suppliers into global aerospace supply chains, opening opportunities for exports and positioning India as a competitive global helicopter hub.
7. Long-Term Industry Transformation
Beyond defence, the manufacturing base can expand into civil aviation, MRO services, and international programs, redefining India’s role in the global aerospace industry.
Overall Assessment
The Adani–Leonardo alliance is a transformational move that strengthens national security, accelerates industrial self-reliance, and elevates India’s standing in global defence and aerospace manufacturing.
