Adani Defence, Leonardo partner to build Helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India

Adani Defence & Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to establish an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The collaboration aims to meet the growing requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and support the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. Under the partnership, they will jointly develop, manufacture and sustain helicopters in India, with an initial focus on Leonardo’s advanced military platforms, the AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM.

According to Adani Defence, the collaboration will include phased indigenisation, the setting up of strong maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and the development of comprehensive pilot training programmes. Over time, the initiative could also expand to serve civil helicopter needs and support Leonardo’s global supply chain through Indian manufacturing.

Meeting India’s growing helicopter demand

India currently has a low helicopter penetration rate, with fewer than 250 helicopters per 100,000 people. Experts estimate that the country will need around 100 helicopters every year over the next decade. The Indian Armed Forces alone are projected to require more than 1,000 helicopters in the coming 10 years.

Adani Defence & Aerospace Director Jeet Adani said the partnership is about building a complete aviation ecosystem within India. “Together, we will build an ecosystem on Indian soil that brings manufacturing, assembly, training, and world-class support into one cohesive whole,” he said.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said the collaboration supports the vision of sovereign manufacturing and will help strengthen India’s defence aviation capabilities. “This partnership will accelerate indigenisation, strengthen supply chains, and position India as a world-class production base,” he added.

Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Piero Cutillo said India is a key market for the company, with growing demand from the armed forces. He added that Leonardo is committed to supporting India’s long-term aerospace and defence goals.

Boost to jobs and industry

The helicopter manufacturing ecosystem is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and maintenance services. It will also help build local capabilities in advanced aerospace technologies and strengthen India’s position as a competitive hub for helicopter production and sustainment.

Part of a broader aerospace strategy

This partnership with Leonardo comes shortly after Adani Defence’s strategic collaboration with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, announced in January 2026. Under that agreement, the two companies plan to establish a regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India, covering manufacturing, supply chains, aftermarket services and pilot training.

Together, the Embraer and Leonardo partnerships reflect Adani Defence’s broader strategy to build a full-spectrum aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem in India, spanning both fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing platforms and to position the country as a global hub for aerospace production and support.