India’s defence manufacturing ambitions received a major boost with Adani Defence & Aerospace signing a strategic partnership with Italy’s aerospace major Leonardo to expand helicopter production in the country. Announced on February 3, 2026, the collaboration marks a significant step toward building a domestic helicopter ecosystem at scale—one that supports both military readiness and civil aviation needs while reducing India’s long-standing dependence on imports.
Strengthening Self-Reliance Through Global Collaboration
The Adani–Leonardo partnership aligns closely with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” priorities. India currently imports nearly 90% of its helicopters, despite having one of the world’s largest projected demands across the armed forces, coast guard, paramilitary units, and civil operators.
Leonardo, a global leader in rotary-wing platforms, brings advanced helicopter designs and decades of engineering expertise. Adani Defence, meanwhile, contributes local manufacturing capacity, supply-chain depth, and experience from recent aircraft and drone programmes. Together, the partners aim to localise production of light and medium utility helicopters, gradually moving from assembly to deeper manufacturing and, eventually, design capabilities.
What the Partnership Covers
The collaboration is expected to focus on platforms such as Leonardo’s AW169M multi-role helicopter and the lighter AW109 variant, both of which are well-suited for military transport, surveillance, search-and-rescue, and utility missions. India’s armed forces alone are estimated to need more than 1,000 helicopters over the next decade to replace ageing fleets and expand operational reach.
Beyond manufacturing, the partnership also envisages maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, pilot training infrastructure, and integration of Indian suppliers—creating a full-spectrum helicopter ecosystem rather than a limited assembly operation.
Where Will Helicopters Be Made in India?
While final government approvals are pending, the manufacturing footprint is expected to build on Adani Group’s existing aerospace and defence hubs, primarily in southern and western India.
Hyderabad and Vadodara (Telangana and Gujarat)
Adani’s flagship defence facilities near Hyderabad, located within a mature aerospace cluster, are likely to host final assembly lines and MRO operations. The region already supports UAV and aerostructure manufacturing and benefits from proximity to airports, skilled manpower, and research institutions. Vadodara, where Adani has developed aviation-linked infrastructure, may complement these operations, particularly for components and logistics.
Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Bengaluru’s established aerospace ecosystem makes it a natural base for component manufacturing, avionics integration, and training. With institutions such as HAL and the National Aerospace Laboratories nearby, the city offers access to specialised talent and testing facilities critical for helicopter programmes.
Future Expansion in Defence Corridors
Over time, supplier parks and sub-assembly units could extend into designated defence corridors in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These regions are being actively promoted to host MSMEs and tier-two suppliers, broadening the industrial base and spreading economic benefits.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Local helicopter production could lower acquisition costs by 20–30%, shorten delivery timelines, and generate thousands of high-skill jobs in engineering, avionics, and sustainment. For India’s defence forces, it enhances operational readiness and supply security at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Strategically, the partnership positions India as a potential export hub for helicopters in South Asia, Africa, and West Asia—transforming the country from a net importer into a competitive manufacturing centre.
From Assembly Lines to Aerospace Ambition
The Adani–Leonardo partnership represents more than a commercial agreement; it reflects India’s evolving confidence in building complex defence platforms domestically. By anchoring helicopter manufacturing within established aerospace clusters and gradually deepening indigenisation, the collaboration strengthens India’s push for self-reliance while integrating it more firmly into global aerospace value chains. If executed as planned, it could redefine India’s role in the global rotorcraft industry over the next decade.
(With agency inputs)
