New Delhi | Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer have announced a strategic partnership to develop, manufacture, and sustain a comprehensive regional transport aircraft (RTA) ecosystem in India, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s indigenous aviation capabilities.
Adani Defence & Aerospace, a leading player in India’s aerospace and defence sector and the flagship defence arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd, and Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3), a global aerospace major, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate across multiple segments of the regional aviation value chain. The partnership will explore opportunities in aircraft manufacturing, supply chain development, aftermarket services, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and pilot training.
Under the proposed collaboration, the companies aim to establish an aircraft assembly line in India, followed by a phased increase in indigenisation. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision and the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which seeks to enhance air connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
“Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion. With initiatives like UDAN transforming air connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the need for an indigenous regional aviation ecosystem has become critical,” said Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace. “This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil by bringing together complementary capabilities.”
The collaboration is expected to combine Embraer’s extensive experience in aircraft design, engineering, and manufacturing with Adani Group’s growing aviation footprint, which spans airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, MRO services, and pilot training.
“We are shaping India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem, a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar aviation that bridges urban-rural divides, generates high-skill employment, and elevates India’s position in the global aerospace industry,” said Ashish Rajvanshi, President and CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.
The proposed RTA ecosystem is designed to cater to domestic market demand while also creating substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services.
“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 and their potential implementation.”
Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different models currently operating in commercial, defence, and business aviation segments. The Indian Air Force operates Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft and the ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the ERJ145 platform. In the civil aviation sector, Star Air operates a fleet of 13 Embraer E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.
Adani Defence & Aerospace is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace company, with capabilities spanning aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons, and sustainment. With the country’s largest MRO ecosystem and a rapidly expanding pilot training platform, the company is strengthening India’s aviation value chain end-to-end, while advancing indigenous manufacturing aligned with national security priorities and global requirements.
