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Adani & Leonardo Forge Helicopter Manufacturing Hub in India for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italy's Leonardo have announced a strategic collaboration to establish a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The partnership is framed as a significant step for India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector. Leaders from both companies and government officials emphasized building indigenous production capabilities and reducing import dependence. The move is also seen as strengthening defence cooperation between India and Italy.

Key Points: Adani, Leonardo Partner for India Helicopter Manufacturing

  • Strategic India-Italy defence collaboration
  • Building helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India
  • A boost for Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative
  • Focus on indigenous production and technology
  • Aims to reduce import dependence
3 min read

Adani Defence & Aerospace, Leonardo announce strategic collaboration to build helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India

Adani Defence and Italy's Leonardo announce a strategic collaboration to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, boosting defence self-reliance.

"We are going to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem right here in India. - Ashish Rajvanshi"

New Delhi, February 3

Adani Defence & Aerospace and Italian Aerospace major Leonardo on Tuesday announced a strategic collaboration to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, marking what leaders described as a new chapter in defence cooperation between the two countries.

Reflecting on the broader India-Italy partnership behind the collaboration, Antonio Enrico Bartoli, Ambassador of Italy to India, said, "Two global champions of the defence industry are opening a new chapter today. Their relationship is set to grow stronger over time. Just a few days ago, there was a visit to India by the leadership of the European Union. In the field of defence, India is a reliable and long-term partner of Italy. In the helicopter sector, Leonardo is building cutting-edge technology. We hope for more Indian investment in Italy. We look forward to strong cooperation. The FTA is not only about trade; it is about our values and security."

Linking this strategic cooperation with on-ground manufacturing plans in India, Adani Defence and Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said, "We are going to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem right here in India. This is a huge step for Aatmnirbhar Bharat. We are creating South Asia's premier defence ecosystem. These helicopters are not imported; production will be done in India by Indian hands for India's future."

Reiterating the long-term intent of the partnership, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, said the partnership was driven by shared goals. "This partnership is rooted not only in shared expertise, but in shared purpose together. We will build an ecosystem on Indian soil that brings manufacturing, training and world-class support. Together, we will build confidence that India's helicopter capabilities will grow. It is a contribution to India's capabilities and India's future," he said.

Placing the collaboration within the government's broader defence and industrial policy framework, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, "This is an important event of MOU between Adani Defence and Leonardo. It marks the coming together of two respected industrial entities. Just about a week back, during our Republic Day celebration, we had the honour of receiving and welcoming the President of the EU and the President of the EC. We had three deals during that summit. One was in the field of security and defence partnership. The next step would be the security and information agreement, which will enable greater collaboration. With the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, we not only want to reduce import dependence but to build a competitive industrial capability within the country."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support 'Make in India', I hope this collaboration ensures genuine technology transfer and not just assembly of imported kits. We need to build our own R&D muscle, not just become a manufacturing hub for foreign companies.
R
Rohit P
Excellent step! Helicopters are crucial for our forces, especially in the Himalayas and for coastal surveillance. Reducing import dependence in this sector is a strategic necessity. Hope the production starts soon!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the aerospace sector, this is a significant development. Leonardo brings cutting-edge tech, and if managed well, this can put India on the global map for helicopter manufacturing. The focus on training and support ecosystem is key.
V
Vikram M
Good to see India strengthening ties with Italy and the EU in defence. This is about more than trade; it's strategic partnership. Hope this leads to more such collaborations with other advanced nations.
K
Karthik V
The Defence Secretary's point about building "competitive industrial capability" is vital. We need to eventually export these helicopters, not just make for ourselves. That's the real test of Aatmanirbharta.

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