Introduction: A Strategic Leap in Aerospace

In a landmark development for India's defence sector, Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to establish a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. Announced on February 3, 2026, this partnership aims to address the surging demand of the Indian Armed Forces while positioning the country as a global hub for rotorcraft production. The collaboration is a significant boost to the 'Make in India' initiative, focusing on assembling, manufacturing, and sustaining advanced helicopter models domestically.

Key Facts: The Adani-Leonardo Partnership
Indian Partner

Adani Defence & Aerospace

Global Partner

Leonardo S.p.A (Italy)

Target Models

AW169M & AW109 TrekkerM

Market Demand

1,000+ Helicopters in next 10 years

Primary Focus

Defence (Military) & Civil Aviation

Scope of the Ecosystem

The partnership goes beyond simple manufacturing. It envisions a "fully integrated ecosystem" that includes:

  • Phased Indigenization: Gradually increasing the percentage of locally manufactured components.
  • MRO Capabilities: Establishing robust Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities in India to reduce downtime for the armed forces.
  • Training: Comprehensive pilot and technical training programs.
  • Export Potential: Supporting the international supply chain and targeting the global helicopter market, estimated to be worth $100 billion by 2033.
Strategic Importance

Addressing the "Rotorcraft Void"

India currently has a very low helicopter penetration density (less than 250 helicopters for the entire population). The Indian Armed Forces alone project a requirement for over 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade for various utility and combat roles. This partnership aims to fill that gap with sovereign manufacturing capabilities.

Strengthening India-Italy Ties

The deal marks a new chapter in India-Italy defence cooperation. Italian Ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli described the collaboration as a "strategic marriage" between two industrial champions, reinforcing the growing diplomatic and security ties between New Delhi and Rome.

Official Statements
"Together, we will build an ecosystem on Indian soil that brings manufacturing, assembly, training, and world-class support into one cohesive whole. It is a contribution to India's capabilities and India's future."

— Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace.


"With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realises the vision for sovereign manufacturing."

— Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.

Source Information

Based on official press announcements from Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo on February 3, 2026.

ANI News Report
Adani Defence & Leonardo Pact 2026: Building India’s First Helicopter Manufacturing Ecosystem - Image 1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which two companies formed a partnership for helicopter manufacturing in India?
Adani Defence & Aerospace (India) and Leonardo S.p.A (Italy).
Q2. Which specific helicopter models will be manufactured under this pact?
The partnership targets the production of AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters.
Q3. What is the projected demand for helicopters by the Indian Armed Forces over the next decade?
The armed forces are projected to require over 1,000 helicopters in the next 10 years.
Q4. Apart from manufacturing, what else does the ecosystem include?
It includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), pilot training, and phased indigenization of components.
Q5. Who is the Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace?
Jeet Adani is the Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace.
Q6. What is the estimated value of the global helicopter market by 2033?
The global helicopter market is expected to be worth approximately $100 billion by 2033.
Q7. Is this partnership limited to military helicopters only?
No, while the initial focus is military, the ecosystem is designed to be extended to the civil aviation sector as well.
Q8. Which other aircraft manufacturer did Adani partner with just a week prior to this deal?
Adani Defence recently announced a partnership with the Brazilian major Embraer.