On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Italian company Leonardo announced that it had signed a strategic partnership agreement with India’s Adani Defence and Aerospace (part of the Adani Group) aimed at building an Indian helicopter ecosystem. The program is intended to meet growing demand and emerging military requirements, while positioning India as a future hub for helicopter manufacturing. It also paves the way to address civil-market demand through localized industrial activities supported by an international supply chain.
Photo: Leonardo
Adani Defence & Aerospace, the flagship defense and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd and a leader in India’s defense sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leonardo, a global leader in defense, aerospace, and security. This landmark partnership will establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, addressing growing military demand and supporting the country’s drive toward self-reliance in helicopter production.
The cooperation, focused on the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters, will enable phased indigenization, development of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training.
This ecosystem promises a transformative economic impact, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance services, while strengthening India’s position as a competitive helicopter manufacturing hub.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, stated:
“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 alignment with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aerospace powerhouse.”
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace, added:
“With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 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.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, affirmed:
“We’re extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to provide our contribution to India’s vision for an even stronger and growing role of their rotorcraft industry, and to enable the country to access the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves. We look forward to making progress in this endeavour, leveraging our complementary expertise to deliver the best solutions.”
This strategic partnership redefines India’s aviation landscape, strengthening defense autonomy and positioning the country as a trusted global hub for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.
🔴#LDO_PR Adani Defence & Aerospace, the flagship defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd (@AdaniOnline) and a frontrunner in India's defence sector, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (#MoU) with #Leonardo. This landmark partnership will… pic.twitter.com/NfCgBqQUMW
— Leonardo Helicopters (@LDO_Helicopters) February 3, 2026
@LDO_Helicopters🤝@AdaniDefence. A new chapter of trust, friendship & cooperation. A strategic MoU in helicopter sector. Italian top-tier excellence meets Atmanirbhar Bharat. Def. industry core of 🇮🇹🇮🇳 partnership. Together, to face common challenges & grasp new opportunities. pic.twitter.com/3Ni9hNuryr
— Italy in India (@ItalyinIndia) February 3, 2026
Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo have entered a strategic partnership to establish a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The collaboration advances nation building by strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities, accelerates India’s transformation… pic.twitter.com/owHDy43eqR
— Adani Group (@AdaniOnline) February 3, 2026
Adani Defence & Aerospace has announced a strategic collaboration with Leonardo Helicopters, marking a significant step in our journey of nation building through advanced aerospace and defence capabilities. Speaking on the development, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence and… pic.twitter.com/zMwTVVhtG7
— Adani Group (@AdaniOnline) February 3, 2026
Shaping India's vision for Indigenous Aerospace, our CEO @AshRajvanshi announced Adani Defence & Aerospace’s partnership with @Leonardo_live to build a world-class helicopter ecosystem driving #AatmanirbharBharat and positioning India as a global aerospace hub. pic.twitter.com/WACTLq0upS
— Adani Defence and Aerospace (@AdaniDefence) February 4, 2026
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