India’s Adani signs helicopter deal with Italy’s Leonardo

AFP | New Delhi

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India’s Adani group and Italian defence firm Leonardo have signed a deal to manufacture helicopters in India, the companies said Tuesday, responding to New Delhi’s “surging military demands”.

The announcement comes just days after Adani signed a deal with Brazilian plane maker Embraer to build aircraft in India.

The agreement with Leonardo is mainly for the manufacturing of advanced TrekkerM helicopters, the companies said.

“The collaboration will deliver phased indigenisation, robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training,” the statement added.

Adani said the Indian armed forces had projected a “demand for 1,000 helicopters in the coming decade”.

Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director Gian Piero Cutillo said the deal would enable India to access “the level of modern technology and operational capability it deserves”.

“This landmark partnership will establish a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India, addressing surging military demands and propelling the nation toward self-reliance in helicopter production,” the joint statement said.

Regional security concerns loom large for India, which is making efforts to modernise its military hardware, especially after an intense four-day clash with arch-rival Pakistan in May last year, their worst standoff since 1999.

Both sides claimed victory, each boasting of downing the other’s fighte r jets.

India has also eyed with worry its northern neighbour China, especially since a deadly 2020 clash between their troops.