Jeet Adani Says Defence Will Be Key Growth Engine for Adani Group
ians
New Delhi (TheTrendingPeople): Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, Jeet Adani, on Tuesday said that the defence sector is set to become a major and strategically important segment for the Adani Group, as the conglomerate strengthens its presence in aerospace, manufacturing, and localisation.
Speaking to reporters in the national capital, Jeet Adani underlined that the group is not treating defence-related activities in isolation but is approaching the sector in a comprehensive and integrated manner.
He stressed that defence will play a crucial role in the group’s long-term growth and India’s broader strategic objectives.
Adani Group’s Expanding Defence Ambitions
Over the past few years, the Adani Group has steadily expanded its footprint in India’s defence and aerospace ecosystem, aligning its investments with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Through Adani Defence & Aerospace, the group has entered multiple segments, including unmanned systems, ammunition, small arms, avionics, and aircraft components. It has also set up manufacturing facilities in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
India’s defence manufacturing sector has witnessed significant growth, with domestic production crossing ₹1 lakh crore in recent years, driven by rising indigenisation and reduced dependence on imports.
Against this backdrop, the group’s renewed focus on defence reflects both commercial and strategic priorities.
Integrated Approach and Long-Term Vision
Addressing the media, Jeet Adani said the company does not view aerospace, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), or defence manufacturing as separate verticals.
“We don’t do division-wise only on aerospace and MRO. We are looking at defence as an overall. And I don’t want to make forward-looking statements on what we expect it to be,” he said.
He added, “What I can say is, it’s going to be a sizable part of the group. And strategically, it is very important for us and for the country.”
Jeet Adani also said that recent corporate announcements reaffirm the group’s belief in participating in India’s long-term growth story.
“Detailed plans regarding the location of upcoming plants and the size of investments will be shared in the coming days as projects take shape,” he noted.
He described the next phase of expansion as an “exciting journey” for the group.
Focus on Localisation and Job Creation
Highlighting the importance of domestic manufacturing, Jeet Adani said localisation remains central to the group’s strategy.
“Localisation is not only a requirement of the government and armed forces but also a core belief of the Adani Group,” he said.
“The aim is to ensure maximum economic benefits flow within the country, creating jobs and supporting Indian industries,” he added.
Industry experts have welcomed the emphasis on localisation, noting that stronger domestic supply chains can improve defence preparedness and reduce foreign dependency.
Defence analysts also point out that private sector participation is critical to achieving India’s target of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
Strategic Partnership with Leonardo
Jeet Adani’s remarks come amid a major development in India’s aerospace sector, with Adani Defence & Aerospace entering into a strategic partnership with Leonardo.
Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate to build a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The partnership aims to develop, manufacture, and sustain helicopters to meet the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces.
The collaboration is expected to bring advanced technologies, skilled employment, and export potential to the domestic market.
Experts believe such partnerships will play a key role in enhancing India’s capabilities in rotary-wing aviation and defence engineering.
With increasing defence budgets and rising procurement from domestic firms, the sector offers significant growth opportunities for private players.
Defence as a Pillar of Future Growth
Jeet Adani’s comments signal the Adani Group’s intent to position defence as a central pillar of its future business strategy. By focusing on integrated operations, localisation, and global partnerships, the group aims to strengthen its role in India’s defence ecosystem.
While the company has refrained from making specific projections, its investments and collaborations indicate long-term commitment to the sector.
As India continues to push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, private conglomerates like the Adani Group are expected to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the country’s strategic and industrial landscape.
Our Thoughts
The Adani Group’s renewed emphasis on defence reflects a broader shift in India’s industrial policy towards self-reliance and technological capability. Jeet Adani’s focus on integration and localisation suggests a long-term approach rather than short-term expansion.
However, sustained success will depend on transparent execution, technological innovation, and strong collaboration with public institutions. If implemented effectively, such investments can strengthen national security, generate skilled employment, and enhance India’s global standing in defence manufacturing.