Adani Defence & Aerospace – India’s Fastest Growing Private Defence Company
Adani Defence & Aerospace, the defence and aerospace arm of the Adani Group, is today one of the most influential players in India’s private defence sector. With investments in ammunition complexes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missile systems, aerospace maintenance (MRO), and futuristic warfare technologies, Adani Defence has become a cornerstone of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) defence vision.
The company is not only contributing to India’s internal defence preparedness but is also creating an ecosystem for defence exports, partnerships, and advanced technology collaborations with global defence leaders.
Origins and Vision of Adani Defence & Aerospace
The Adani Group, led by billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, diversified into the defence sector in the last decade, aligning with India’s growing focus on indigenous defence production. Adani Defence & Aerospace was formed with a mission to:
- Reduce India’s dependence on imported defence equipment
- Strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities
- Partner with global leaders for cutting-edge technology transfer
- Create jobs and ecosystems through large-scale industrial defence hubs
With India emerging as the world’s third-largest military spender, the role of private companies like Adani Defence & Aerospace has become critical in bridging gaps between demand and supply in the defence sector.
Landmark Ammunition & Missile Complex in Kanpur
In February 2024, Adani Defence inaugurated South Asia’s largest ammunition and missile manufacturing complex in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Investment: ₹3,000 crore
- Land Area: 500 acres
- Production Capacity: 150 million rounds annually
- Employment: Over 4,000 direct jobs created
- Automation: Powered by Industry 4.0 technology with robotics, AI-based inspection, and automated supply chains
The facility produces small, medium, and large-caliber ammunition, addressing nearly 25% of India’s total annual requirement. The Kanpur plant is a major leap toward reducing import dependence and building indigenous ammunition capacity.
Drishti-10 UAV – India’s Next-Gen Drone
One of the flagship indigenous products of Adani Defence & Aerospace is the Drishti-10 Starliner UAV.
- Handed over to the Indian Navy in January 2024
- Endurance of 36 hours with a payload capacity of 450 kg
- First UAV in India to be certified under NATO STANAG 4671 standards
- Capabilities include intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting
The Drishti-10 represents India’s ability to design and manufacture next-generation unmanned systems, strengthening border surveillance and naval intelligence.
Futuristic Defence Systems at Aero India 2025
At Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest air show, Adani Defence & Aerospace showcased its advanced and futuristic defence portfolio:
- Vehicle-Mounted Counter-Drone System – Developed with DRDO for neutralizing hostile drones
- AI-driven Soldier of the Future technologies – Wearable combat systems, advanced communication devices, and battlefield mobility solutions
- Electronic Warfare Systems – For cyber and electronic defense in modern warfare
The company’s pavilion was visited by the Chief of Army Staff, Navy Chief, and global defence delegations, reflecting Adani’s rising influence in the global defence industry.
International Collaborations – EDGE & Thales Partnerships
Adani Defence has also built strong global alliances to accelerate its growth.
- EDGE Group (UAE) Partnership: Signed in June 2024, this cooperation agreement covers missiles, UAVs, quantum tech, and electronic warfare. Joint R&D and manufacturing facilities are being planned both in India and the UAE.
- Thales (France) Collaboration: In 2024, Adani partnered with Thales to locally manufacture 70mm Laser-Guided Rockets (FZ275 LGR). These rockets are used in HAL Rudra and Prachand helicopters, reducing reliance on imports and boosting Make in India defence manufacturing.
These collaborations ensure technology transfer, local production, and global market access for Indian-made defence products.
Expansion into Aerospace MRO Services
In August 2025, Adani Defence expanded into aerospace by acquiring Indamer Technics, one of India’s oldest aviation MRO companies.
- Acquisition made via Horizon Aero Solutions (Adani’s subsidiary) with Prime Aero
- Facility: 30 acres at MIHAN, Nagpur, with 10 hangars and 15 aircraft bays
- Certifications: DGCA and FAA approvals
- Scope: Aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for civil and defence aircraft
This move strengthens India’s aircraft servicing capabilities, reducing the need for overseas MRO and positioning India as a global hub for aviation maintenance.
Role in India’s Defence Operations
In February 2025, Gautam Adani revealed that Adani Defence’s kamikaze drones and anti-drone systems were deployed during Operation Sindoor, a counterstrike operation by India.
This highlights the company’s real-time operational contribution to national security, proving that Adani Defence is not just about manufacturing but also about active deployment.
Defence Exports – Driving India’s Global Footprint
India has set an ambitious target of achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Adani Defence is playing a pivotal role by:
- Manufacturing export-ready UAVs, ammunition, and rocket systems
- Partnering with international players for joint export orders
- Strengthening India’s defence credibility in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
Employment and Ecosystem Impact
Adani Defence is contributing to large-scale job creation through:
- Direct employment: Thousands of skilled engineers, technicians, and defence specialists
- Indirect employment: Supply chain opportunities for MSMEs and startups in defence manufacturing
- Skill Development: Partnerships with institutes for defence technology training
The Kanpur facility alone employs 4,000+ people, with ripple benefits across the region.
SEO-Friendly Summary Table
| Segment | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of Adani Group |
| Founded | 2015 (as defence arm) |
| Key Facility | ₹3,000 crore Ammunition Complex in Kanpur |
| Flagship Product | Drishti-10 UAV (36-hour endurance, 450 kg payload) |
| Global Partnerships | EDGE (UAE), Thales (France) |
| Aero India 2025 Showcase | Counter-Drone Systems, AI-driven Soldier Tech, Electronic Warfare |
| Aerospace Expansion | Acquired Indamer MRO in Nagpur |
| Employment | 4,000 direct jobs at Kanpur; thousands more in allied sectors |
| Role in Operations | Provided kamikaze drones in Operation Sindoor |
| Defence Exports | Targeting UAVs, rockets, and ammunition for global markets |
