Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo Helicopters sign an MoU in the presence of director of Adani Defence and Aerospace Jeet Adani, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Italy ambassador Antonio Enrico Bartoli, senior VP of Leonardo Helicopters, Stefano Villanti, and CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, Ashish Rajvanshi, during the event 'Strategic Collaboration on Helicopter Ecosystem in India' in New Delhi on Tuesday NEW DELHI: Just days after the Indo-EU trade and defence deal, Italian defence major Leonardo, which offers helicopter products and services globally, and Adani Defence and Aerospace on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership by signing an MoU to establish an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.The manufacturing ecosystem will seek to address the demands of Indian armed forces as well as the civilian sector, boosting India’s self-reliance in helicopter production.“The collaboration will deliver phased indigenisation, robust maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and comprehensive pilot training,” a release said.The MoU was signed in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and A Anbarasu, DG (acquisition) in the department of defence (MoD), who called the collaboration a “strategic marriage”. 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.”Company CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said that with the Indian armed forces projecting demand for over 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade, the partnership will help realise the vision of sovereign manufacturing.Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) helicopters MD Gian Piero Cutillo said India is a big market and that the country's armed forces have a growing requirement for helicopters.Across Army, IAF, Navy and Coast Guard, there are requirements for helicopters with diverse and advanced capabilities — 300+ light utility helicopters, 300+ medium lift helicopters, 100+ intermediate helicopters and 90+ maritime multi-role helicopters.
Author: Surendra Singh
Published at: 2026-02-03 22:07:53
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