India’s Defence Push: Adani and Italy's Leonardo to Manufacture Copters in India

Leonardo AW169M Copter

Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a strategic partnership with Italian aerospace major Leonardo to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, focusing on military helicopters like the AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM. The deal strengthens India’s defence indigenisation push, with plans for phased local production, maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and pilot training.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Parties involved: Adani Defence & Aerospace (India) and Leonardo (Italy)
• Date signed: February 3, 2026
• Scope: Develop, manufacture, and sustain helicopters in India
• Models included: AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM
• Focus areas:
  • Phased indigenisation of production
  • Strong MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) capabilities
  • Comprehensive pilot training programs
• Strategic context: Signed shortly after the Indo-EU trade and defence deal

Why This Matters for India

• Defence self-reliance: Reduces dependence on imported helicopters
• Military readiness: Provides advanced platforms for the Indian armed forces
• Civil aviation potential: May expand to serve domestic civilian demand and global supply chains
• Policy support: Customs duty removed on aircraft components, boosting local manufacturing

Comparison of Helicopter Models

Leonardo AW169M Copter

Leonardo AW109 TrekkerM

Feature	AW169M (Military Variant)	AW109 TrekkerM
Role	Multi-role military ops	Light utility, training, surveillance
Capacity	~10 passengers	~6 passengers
Range	~820 km	~932 km
Special Features	Advanced avionics, mission flexibility	High agility, cost-effective operations
Target Use in India	Armed forces missions	Training, light transport, reconnaissance

Risks & Challenges

• Technology transfer: Ensuring meaningful indigenisation
• Supply chain readiness: Building local component ecosystems
• Geopolitical sensitivities: Past restrictions on Leonardo require regulatory clearance
• Execution timeline: Defence projects often face delays

Outlook

• Positions India as a future hub for helicopter manufacturing
• Aligns with *Make in India* and *Atmanirbhar Bharat* initiatives
• Strengthens military capabilities and opens civil aviation/export opportunities

Jeet Adani, Director, 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 aerospace landscape, strengthening defence autonomy and position the country as a trusted global hub for helicopter manufacturing and sustainment.