Adani and Leonardo Forge Indian Helicopter Partnership | Aviation International News

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Adani and Leonardo Forge Indian Helicopter Partnership

Companies lay the foundation for a helicopter ecosystem in India

Leonardo AW169 — Leonardo AW169. © David McIntosh/AIN

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

February 4, 2026

Adani Defence and Aerospace, an Indian integrated private company, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Leonardo to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India to prepare for an expected surge in military rotary-wing demand and a drive for self-reliance in helicopter production.

Under the agreement, the companies will lay the groundwork for increased indigenization, pilot training facilities, and the establishment of a robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul capability. Although the agreement focuses initially on the military market, it could expand into the commercial sector.

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