Collaboration to indigenize helicopter manufacturing, MRO, and training capabilities while strengthening India’s defence autonomy.
Adani Defence-Leonardo Contract Signing Ceremony.
Adani Defence – Leonardo Partnership Agreement: New Delhi, February 3, 2026 – Adani Defence & Aerospace (AD&A), the flagship defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises, and Leonardo, a global leader in defence and aerospace, announced a strategic partnership to develop a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
The partnership aims to address the Indian Armed Forces’ increasing demand for advanced helicopters, particularly Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM models. Through phased indigenization, the collaboration will establish robust manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as pilot training programs, positioning India as a global hub for helicopter production.
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Strengthening National Security and Self-Reliance
By combining Leonardo’s world-class design and engineering expertise with Adani Defence’s end-to-end industrial capabilities, the initiative supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, enabling sovereign production and sustainment of critical rotorcraft platforms.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said: “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 position India as a global aerospace powerhouse.”
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of AD&A, added: “With projected demand for over 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains, and establish India as a world-class production base.”
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Economic and Industrial Impact
The ecosystem is expected to generate thousands of high-skill jobs in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and sustainment services. Beyond military applications, the partnership has the potential to extend into civil aviation demand and integration into the international supply chain, reinforcing India’s competitiveness in the global aerospace sector.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, remarked: “We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s rotorcraft industry, enabling access to modern technology and operational capabilities. Leveraging our complementary expertise, we aim to deliver the best solutions for the Indian Armed Forces and beyond.”
Leonardo’s NH-90 helicopter. (File Photo).
About Leonardo and Adani Defence & Aerospace
Leonardo is a global industrial group operating in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, with 60,000 employees worldwide and major production capabilities across Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. The company is involved in key international programmes such as Eurofighter, JSF, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone.
Adani Defence & Aerospace is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace company, developing capabilities across land, air, and sea platforms. With a focus on indigenous lifecycle sustainment, MRO, and aviation training, AD&A is building a resilient defence ecosystem through collaborations with global partners, start-ups, and MSMEs, aligned with the national Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
This strategic partnership marks a transformative milestone in India’s aerospace sector, enhancing defence autonomy, industrial capability, and the country’s position as a trusted global hub for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.
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