New Delhi, February 3, 2026: Adani Defence & Aerospace on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to develop a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, aimed at meeting the future requirements of the Indian armed forces and boosting indigenous defence production.
As part of the partnership, the two companies will focus on addressing military requirements for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The collaboration will involve phased indigenisation of manufacturing, setting up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and establishing end-to-end pilot training capabilities within India, according to a joint statement.
The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu, underlining the government’s emphasis on strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The partnership brings together Leonardo’s expertise in helicopter design and engineering with Adani Defence & Aerospace’s industrial and defence manufacturing strengths. Officials said the collaboration is expected to enhance India’s defence preparedness and could later be extended to civil aviation programmes and integration into global aerospace supply chains.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, termed the agreement a key milestone in building a robust and sustainable helicopter ecosystem in the country. He said the initiative would generate high-skilled jobs, create long-term industrial value and help position India as an emerging global hub for aerospace manufacturing.
Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said the Indian armed forces are projected to require more than 1,000 helicopters over the next decade across light utility, medium-lift and maritime multi-role segments. He noted that the collaboration with Leonardo would accelerate indigenisation, deepen domestic supply chains and establish India as a world-class production base for helicopters.
The MoU with Leonardo follows a recent agreement signed by Adani Defence & Aerospace with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to develop an integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India.
Leonardo, earlier known as Finmeccanica, was removed in 2021 from a government-imposed restricted list following earlier allegations involving its subsidiary AgustaWestland. Those restrictions stemmed from the cancellation of a ₹3,727 crore VVIP helicopter deal in 2014 over bribery allegations. The latest agreement marks renewed engagement as India steps up efforts to expand domestic defence manufacturing capacity.
