Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh speaks during the ‘Strategic Cooperation on Helicopter Ecosystem in India’ event in New Delhi on February 3, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
The government is determined to minimize dependence on imports through “Make in India” initiatives, though it has never been completely eliminated, Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Tuesday (3 Feb 2026).
Mr. Singh was speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Adani Defense & Aerospace and Italian aerospace giant Leonardo in New Delhi to create an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.
He further said that the Government of India’s vision of self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing is not limited to reducing dependence on imports. It seeks to build resilient, globally competitive industrial capacities in the country, in cooperation with friendly foreign nations. At the same time, the concept of self-sufficiency must be viewed realistically — it cannot be achieved overnight, nor does it mean absolute or 100% autonomy, which is neither practical nor necessary.
“What India can do is to progressively expand the scope of Make in India to minimize dependence on imports – although it can never be completely eliminated. This has led to a false duality in the Indian debate that one must either import or rely solely on domestic design and manufacturing,” Mr Singh said.
“In fact, there is a broad continuity between these. This includes calibrated technology transfers and domestic manufacturing in areas where India has the necessary scale and capabilities. The rotary-wing aviation segment is an example where significant levels of manufacturing and value addition can be achieved in the country,” he added.
The tie-up between Adani Group and Italy’s Major Leonardo is expected to address military requirements and boost India’s self-sufficiency in helicopter manufacturing.
A report from the Adani Group said that in view of the operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces – particularly the advanced Leonardo AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters – the collaboration will enable gradual indigenization, establish robust maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and provide comprehensive pilot training.
Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defense & Aerospace, said: “This alliance with Leonardo is a major step towards a resilient and future-ready helicopter ecosystem in India. By merging global excellence with our industrial dynamism, we will drive sustainable value, highly skilled employment and association with Aatmanirbhar Bharat to position India as a global aviation power.”
The partnership will create a fully integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India that will respond to growing military requirements and move the nation towards self-sufficiency in helicopter manufacturing, the report said.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters, confirmed: “We are extremely pleased to join forces with Adani to contribute to India’s vision of an even stronger and growing role for its rotorcraft industry and to enable the country to access the level of advanced technology and operational capabilities it deserves. We look forward to progressing this effort to leverage our best solutions.”
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defense & Aerospace, added, “With the Indian Armed Forces projecting a demand for over 1,000 helicopters over the coming decade, this partnership realizes our vision of sovereign manufacturing. It will accelerate indigenization, strengthen supply chains and establish India as a world-class manufacturing base.”
Published – 4 Feb 2026 04:34 IST
