Adani Defence & Aerospace Acquires Air Works India for ₹400 Crore to Strengthen MRO Capabilities

Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL), a key subsidiary of the Adani Group, has announced a landmark acquisition in the aviation sector by taking an 85.8% stake in Air Works India (Engineering) Pvt. Ltd for ₹400 crore. This move not only marks Adani Defence's foray into India's growing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry but also underscores its ambition to expand its footprint in both the commercial and defence aviation sectors.

Air Works: A Leader in India's MRO Sector

Air Works, founded in 1951, stands as India's largest private-sector MRO provider with a robust network of operations across 35 cities. The company boasts over 1,300 highly skilled employees and holds regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities in more than 20 countries, including the US and Europe. Its expertise spans servicing fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, catering to a diverse clientele that includes commercial airlines, private jets, and defence organizations.

In recent years, Air Works has emerged as a critical player in the defence sector, undertaking projects for the Indian Navy and Air Force. Notable achievements include phase inspections and heavy maintenance for the Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and work on the IAF's transport fleet. This aligns perfectly with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to boost self-reliance in critical defence and aviation capabilities.

Strategic Importance of the Acquisition

The acquisition of Air Works is more than just a business transaction for Adani Defence; it is a strategic leap toward creating an integrated aviation services ecosystem. Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airports, emphasized that this move would contribute significantly to strengthening India's aviation infrastructure at a time when the sector is poised for exponential growth.

India, currently the third-largest aviation market globally, is expected to add more than 1,500 aircraft in the next few years. This rapid expansion creates a massive demand for MRO services, estimated to exceed $5 billion annually by 2030. By integrating Air Works' capabilities, Adani Defence positions itself to capitalize on this opportunity while reducing India's dependence on foreign MRO service providers.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, highlighted that this acquisition enables the company to offer end-to-end MRO services across commercial and defence sectors. It also aligns with Adani’s broader vision of building a robust aerospace and defence portfolio, contributing to both national security and economic development.

A Game-Changer for India's Defence and Aerospace Sector

With this acquisition, Adani Defence is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming India's aerospace landscape. Air Works' decades-long expertise, combined with Adani's resources and vision, sets the stage for a new era of innovation and self-reliance in aviation.

This strategic move not only bolsters India's indigenous capabilities but also aligns with global standards, making the country a competitive player in the international aviation market. For Adani Group, this acquisition reinforces its commitment to nation-building, while for Air Works, it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter under the Adani umbrella.