Embraer, Adani Defence & Aerospace Sign MoU to Build Regional Transport Aircraft Ecosystem in India
New Delhi : Brazilian aerospace major Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a comprehensive regional transport aircraft (RTA) ecosystem in India, spanning manufacturing, supply chain, aftermarket services, and pilot training.
The partnership aims to explore the establishment of an aircraft assembly line in India, followed by phased indigenisation, in support of India’s RTA ambitions aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
“India is a pivotal market for Embraer, and this partnership combines our aerospace expertise with Adani’s strong industrial capabilities and commitment to indigenisation,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Together, we will evaluate the most viable, advanced and efficient solutions in support of India’s RTA ambitions.”
The collaboration will leverage Embraer’s global experience in aircraft design and manufacturing alongside Adani’s aviation value-chain presence, which includes airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, MRO services, and pilot training.
Highlighting the importance of regional connectivity, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace, said, “Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion. With UDAN transforming connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the need for an indigenous regional aviation ecosystem has become critical. This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil.”
The proposed ecosystem is expected to cater to domestic demand while generating significant direct and indirect employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services.
“We are shaping India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem, a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar aviation that bridges urban-rural divides and creates high-skill employment,” said Ashish Rajvanshi, President & CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.
Embraer already has a strong presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 types operating in commercial, defence, and business aviation. The Indian Air Force operates Embraer Legacy 600 and ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft based on the ERJ145 platform, while Star Air operates a fleet of 13 Embraer E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.
Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of the Adani Group, is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace player, with capabilities across aircraft manufacturing, UAVs, avionics, MRO, and aviation training. The company is working to build an end-to-end indigenous aerospace ecosystem aligned with national security priorities.