Leonardo–Adani Partnership Plans to Build AW109 TrekkerM and AW169M in India

India’s aerospace ambitions are clearly shifting into a higher gear. As the country pushes hard to modernise its military aviation fleet and cut dependence on imports, a new partnership has emerged that could reshape the rotary-wing landscape.

Italian aerospace major Leonardo and Adani Defence & Aerospace have signed a landmark MoU to manufacture helicopters in India—an agreement that goes far beyond simple assembly and signals a long-term industrial commitment.

A New Chapter for India’s Helicopter Ecosystem

This collaboration aims to establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem on Indian soil. From production lines and indigenised components to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities and pilot training, the partnership is designed to support India’s growing military aviation needs end to end.

The primary focus is on meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, with particular emphasis on Leonardo’s modern light and medium-class military helicopters—the AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM.

Filling the 3-Ton Helicopter Gap

India’s long search for a new-generation 3-ton class utility helicopter has gained fresh momentum following the collapse of the Kamov Ka-226T programme with Russia. This segment is critical for both the Army and the Air Force, covering roles such as utility transport, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and logistics support in challenging terrain.

In this context, the Leonardo–Adani tie-up positions the AW109 TrekkerM as a strong contender in a category that sits at the heart of India’s rotary-wing modernisation plans.

Unlike older single-engine concepts, the AW109 TrekkerM adopts a twin-engine philosophy, offering greater redundancy and safety—especially valuable for operations in high-altitude regions, mountains, and remote forward bases.

AW109 TrekkerM

The AW109 TrekkerM uses two PW207C engines for better safety.
It can fly at about 285 km/h with a range of 800 km.
It has an MTOW of 3,200 kg and carries around 1,500 kg.
It is fast, compact, and well suited for high-altitude missions.

AW169M

The AW169M is powered by two PW210A engines.
It can reach speeds of 310 km/h and fly up to 820 km.
Its MTOW is 4,800 kg with a payload of over 2,000 kg.
It offers modern avionics, a large cabin, and strong multi-role capability.

Technology Meets Indian Industrial Scale

Leonardo brings decades of combat-proven helicopter design, advanced avionics, and safety-focused engineering, while Adani Defence contributes manufacturing scale, supply-chain depth, and defence ecosystem integration within India.

Together, the two aim to deliver a phased indigenisation roadmap, steadily increasing local content while ensuring operational readiness from day one. The creation of in-country MRO hubs and training infrastructure will also improve fleet availability and reduce long-term operating costs for the armed forces.

Beyond Defence: Jobs, Exports, and Civil Potential

The impact of this partnership extends well beyond military procurement. Thousands of high-skill jobs are expected across engineering, precision manufacturing, logistics, and sustainment services. Over time, the ecosystem could support civil helicopter applications and plug Indian facilities into Leonardo’s global supply chain, opening doors for exports.

A Strategic Signal

The Leonardo–Adani helicopter programme is not just another defence deal—it is a strategic signal. India is positioning itself not only as a buyer, but as a manufacturer, sustainer, and potential exporter of modern helicopters. As competition heats up in the 3-ton class, this partnership could play a decisive role in shaping the future of India’s rotary-wing aviation.

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