New Delhi | 27 January 2026 — Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India. The proposed collaboration will explore opportunities across aircraft manufacturing, supply chain development, aftermarket services and pilot training.

 

The industrial partnership is intended to support India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme through the establishment of an assembly line, followed by a phased increase in indigenisation. The initiative aligns with national objectives including the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework and the UDAN regional connectivity vision.

 

Arjan Meijer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said the partnership brings together Embraer’s aerospace and engineering experience with Adani’s industrial capabilities and focus on indigenisation. He added that the companies will jointly assess viable and efficient solutions in support of India’s RTA ambitions and their potential implementation.

 

The proposed collaboration would combine Embraer’s aircraft design, engineering and manufacturing expertise with Adani’s aviation value-chain presence, which includes airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and pilot training.

 

Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the role of regional aviation in economic development, noting that initiatives such as UDAN are expanding air connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He said the partnership also has the potential to strengthen strategic ties between India and Brazil by bringing complementary capabilities together.

 

According to the companies, the ecosystem under consideration is intended to support domestic demand while generating direct and indirect employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and support services.

 

Ashish Rajvanshi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said the initiative aims to advance India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem in line with national self-reliance goals, while contributing to skills development and industrial capability.

 

Embraer has an established presence in India, with close to 50 aircraft across 11 types currently in operation in commercial, defence and business aviation roles. Aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force include the Legacy 600 and the Netra airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the ERJ145 platform. In the commercial sector, Star Air operates a fleet of E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.

 

Adani Defence & Aerospace is an integrated private aerospace and defence company in India, with activities spanning aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons and sustainment. The company is also expanding its maintenance and pilot training capabilities as part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s end-to-end aviation value chain.