As new rotors take shape on the horizon, India’s defence ambitions rise like a helicopter lifting steadily into sovereign skies.
A New Rotor for Self-Reliance
Adani Defence & Aerospace on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, aimed at meeting the expanding needs of the Indian armed forces and strengthening domestic defence production.
The partnership will focus on Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters, with an emphasis on phased indigenisation, advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and end-to-end pilot training, the companies said in a joint statement.
The MoU was signed in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and director general (acquisition) A Anbarasu, underlining the government’s intent to accelerate self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The collaboration seeks to align industrial capability with the armed forces’ long-term requirements for light utility, medium-lift and maritime multi-role helicopters, at a time when demand for rotary-wing platforms is expected to surge.
“By fusing Leonardo’s world-class helicopter design and engineering prowess with Adani’s defence and aerospace expertise, the initiative advances the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, strengthens national defence readiness, with the potential to be extended to civil aviation applications and international supply chain integration,” the statement said.
From Past Turbulence to Future Flight
The agreement also marks a notable turn in Leonardo’s India journey. In 2021, the government removed Leonardo—formerly Finmeccanica—and its subsidiary AgustaWestland from a blacklist imposed after allegations of irregularities, including bribery. Business dealings had been suspended in 2014 following the termination of a ₹3,727 crore contract for 12 VVIP helicopters. Since then, media reports have suggested renewed engagement, including a partnership with state-owned BHEL to manufacture guns.
The latest MoU follows closely on the heels of another Adani Defence agreement with Brazil’s Embraer to manufacture aircraft in India, signalling a broader push to create an integrated aerospace ecosystem.
“This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India. Merging global excellence with our industrial momentum, we will drive enduring value, high-skill employment, and alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse,” said Adani Defence & Aerospace director Jeet Adani.
“With the Indian armed forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realises our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenisation, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base,” said Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi.
From grounded ambitions to spinning blades, India’s aerospace story inches closer to taking confident, indigenised flight.
Summary
Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed an MoU with Italy’s Leonardo to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, targeting military requirements and boosting indigenisation. Covering production, MRO and training, the partnership aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and comes amid rising demand for over 1,000 helicopters by the armed forces.
