Adani Group, Italian major Leonardo tie up to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India
- IBEF
- February 4, 2026
The Adani Group and Leonardo, a leading Italian player in the aerospace and defence sectors, have established a strategic partnership to create a complete helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The MoU, signed in New Delhi, paves the way for the localization of everything, from design and production to assembly, as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services and pilot training. The aim is to address the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces for modern helicopters such as the AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM, while also furthering the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives to reduce dependence on imports and enhance the country’s sovereign capabilities in defence. This partnership may provide the foundation for the emergence of a modern aerospace sector in the country, with possible spin-off effects in the civil aviation sector and the export market, solidifying India’s position in the global defence manufacturing sector.
According to analysts, the demand for helicopters in India may exceed 1,000 units in the next decade, making this partnership opportune for meeting both military and civilian requirements. This partnership combines the international helicopter technology and engineering capabilities of Leonardo with the infrastructure and implementation strengths of the Adani Group, ensuring high-skilled employment and a strong local supply chain. This partnership is also expected to boost local value addition in the aerospace components and services sector, enhancing resilience and competitiveness in a sector of prime importance.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
Partners
