New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace Tuesday announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian defence major Leonardo, earlier known as AgustaWestland, to establish what it terms as “a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India” eyeing a huge military market.
According to estimates, the cumulative requirement of the Indian armed forces—Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard—for helicopters in various classes totals to over 1000.
This includes 300 plus light utility helicopters, more than 300 medium lift helicopters, over 100 intermediate helicopters and over 90 maritime multi-role helicopters.
The MoU, signed in presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and A Anabarasu, DG (Acquisition) at the Ministry of Defence, here in the national capital, will focus on targeting the Indian Armed Forces’ requirements, particularly for Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters.
The collaboration will deliver phased indigenization, robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training.
“This alliance with Leonardo is a pivotal stride toward a resilient, future-proof helicopter ecosystem in India,” Jeet Adani, Director Adani Defence & Aerospace said.
Speaking at the event, Defence Secretary Singh said that the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing aims to reduce import dependence and build a globally competitive industrial capability.
“When we talk about atmanirbharta, we realise that it cannot be achieved immediately and probably you can never have 100 percent self-reliance. But what you can do is take steps towards more and more of Make in India, and ultimately ensure that imports or import dependence is minimised although it can never be entirely eliminated which was why there is often this false duality in India that either you are importing or relying only on Indian design and manufacturing everything in India,” he said.
Anabarasu said that the strategic partnership between Adani and Leonardo marks a crucial step towards enhancing the nation’s helicopter manufacturing capability.
“Last week, on 27th there was a marriage which we attended. The marriage was with Embraer. And today there is another marriage,” he said.
He was referring to last week’s partnership between Adani Group and Brazilian major Embraer that aims to set up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India.
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, the company CEO said, “With the Indian Armed Forces projecting demand for over 1000 helicopters in the coming decade, this partnership realizes our vision for sovereign manufacturing,” he said.
(Edited by Vidhi Bhutra)
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