Newsmakers - ADANI DEFENCE
Two Landmark Milestones, One Shared Mission
Sukriti Jain
July marked a defining chapter in Adani Defence & Aerospace’s journey, with two landmark achievements advancing India’s defence self-reliance.
In just a few weeks, Adani Defence & Aerospace delivered two milestones of national significance—each strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities and accelerating the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The establishment of South Asia’s largest private-sector integrated missile manufacturing ecosystem, followed by the company’s partnership with DRDO on the Indian Air Force’s next-generation AEW&C Mk II programme, marks a decisive expansion of its role in India’s strategic defence landscape. Together, these achievements embody the company’s scale of ambition, depth of technological expertise and ability to translate national priorities into mission-critical capabilities.
Together, these milestones signal a decisive expansion of the company’s contribution to India’s strategic capabilities—addressing critical defence priorities today while building the technological and industrial foundations that will strengthen national preparedness for generations.
Building India’s Next Generation of Missile Manufacturing
On 5 July 2026, Adani Defence & Aerospace broke ground on South Asia’s largest private-sector integrated missile manufacturing ecosystem at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh—marking a decisive step in strengthening India’s sovereign missile manufacturing capability and reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of the nation’s defence industrial transformation.
The landmark ceremony was held in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav; Hon’ble Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia; Karan Adani, Managing Director, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), and Director, Adani Cement; Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace; and Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.
Designed as a fully integrated, end-to-end manufacturing ecosystem, the facility will bring together medium- and long-range missile production, a Composite Propellant Complex and a TNT Complex within a single strategic infrastructure platform. This integrated capability will enable the serial production of next-generation missile programmes while strengthening domestic control over critical technologies, materials and supply chains.
The project extends far beyond the creation of manufacturing capacity. It is expected to generate nearly 5,000 direct and indirect skilled employment opportunities and catalyse a wider network of MSMEs, suppliers and ancillary industries across the Shivpuri–Gwalior region. By anchoring advanced defence manufacturing within a strong domestic industrial ecosystem, Adani Defence & Aerospace is helping build the scale, resilience and technological depth required for long-term national preparedness.
The Shivpuri development also marks the next phase of the company’s strategic expansion in Madhya Pradesh, building on its small arms manufacturing ecosystem established in Gwalior in 2020. Together, these investments are shaping one of India’s most significant private-sector defence manufacturing hubs and demonstrating Adani Defence & Aerospace’s ability to translate national priorities into world-class industrial capability.
A Historic Leap in India’s Airborne Surveillance Capability
The momentum continued on 22 July with another milestone of national importance.
Adani Defence & Aerospace signed an agreement with DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, to jointly deliver AEW&C Mk II—India’s next-generation Airborne Early Warning & Control programme for the Indian Air Force.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence; Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force; A Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence; Sandhaya, Outstanding Scientist and Director, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO; and Mr Rajvanshi.
For the first time, an Indian private company has been entrusted with the joint development and integration of an airborne mission platform of this scale, together with 30 years of lifecycle support, including integrated logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
The programme marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s private defence ecosystem and reflects the confidence placed in Indian industry to deliver complex, mission-critical aerospace capabilities.
Delivered through a strong Make in India and Maintain in India framework, the programme will strengthen indigenous expertise in mission-system integration, aerospace engineering, lifecycle sustainment and advanced defence services, while supporting the long-term operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
Taken together, these two achievements represent far more than the successful delivery of individual projects. They signify Adani Defence & Aerospace’s expanding contribution to India’s long-term strategic capability development.
Whether through the creation of world-class manufacturing infrastructure for advanced missile systems or its partnership with DRDO to deliver one of the country’s most sophisticated airborne surveillance programmes, the company continues to invest in technologies, infrastructure and partnerships that strengthen India’s strategic autonomy and defence preparedness.
Every milestone reflects years of planning, engineering excellence, collaboration and execution by teams across the organisation. It is this shared commitment that enables Adani Defence & Aerospace to translate national priorities into operational capabilities while supporting the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
As India prepares for an increasingly complex security environment, Adani Defence & Aerospace is strengthening its position as an industry leader by advancing indigenous technologies, scaling strategic manufacturing capabilities and building a resilient domestic defence ecosystem. Through sustained investment in innovation, infrastructure and future-ready solutions, the company continues to translate national priorities into sovereign capabilities that reinforce India’s preparedness, strategic autonomy and long-term security.
These remarkable achievements have been made possible through visionary leadership, unwavering commitment and the collective efforts of every member of the Adani Defence & Aerospace family.
Through their collective efforts, Adani Defence & Aerospace is not only building world-class defence capabilities but also contributing to a stronger, more secure and self-reliant India.
The journey continues, with Adani Defence & Aerospace and its people remaining committed to shaping the future of Indian defence.