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India to Build Advanced Military Helicopters
3 Feb
Summary
- Adani Defence and Leonardo will co-develop military helicopters in India.
- The partnership aims to meet India's growing demand for over 1,000 helicopters.
- This deal supports India's defense manufacturing indigenization efforts.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has joined forces with Italian aerospace firm Leonardo to create a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing hub within India. This strategic partnership, formalized on Tuesday, centers on the joint development, production, and ongoing support of advanced military helicopters tailored for the Indian armed forces. The agreement will equip India with the indigenous capability to produce Leonardo's sophisticated AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopter models.
This initiative is a significant step in India's defense indigenization strategy, encompassing crucial aspects like maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and pilot training. The AW169M is a versatile, multi-role military helicopter designed for surveillance and special operations, featuring advanced avionics and all-weather capabilities. The AW109 TrekkerM offers a lighter, agile platform suited for reconnaissance and light transport.
Industry projections indicate that the Indian armed forces will require over 1,000 helicopters within the next ten years, a substantial increase from the fewer than 250 currently operational. This partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in fulfilling this projected demand and bolstering India's defense manufacturing sector.
