Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the development of an integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India. The agreement was announced on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi.

 

The proposed partnership will explore cooperation across aircraft manufacturing, supply chain development, aftermarket services and pilot training. The companies intend to evaluate the establishment of an aircraft assembly line in India, followed by a phased increase in indigenisation to support the country’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme.

 

Focus on manufacturing and indigenisation

Under the MoU, Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace plan to assess opportunities to combine Embraer’s engineering and aircraft manufacturing experience with Adani’s industrial and aviation capabilities. The collaboration is intended to align with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the UDAN regional connectivity programme, which aims to expand air links to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

 

The companies stated that the proposed ecosystem would be designed to support domestic demand while contributing to employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics and support services.

 

Leveraging complementary capabilities

Embraer brings established expertise in commercial aircraft design and production, while Adani Defence & Aerospace contributes a broad aviation value-chain presence, including airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and pilot training.

 

The partnership is also positioned as a means of strengthening strategic ties between India and Brazil by bringing together complementary industrial capabilities.

 

Embraer’s existing presence in India

Embraer currently has a long-standing footprint in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 types operating in commercial, defence and business aviation roles. The Indian Air Force operates Embraer-based platforms including the Legacy 600 and the ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft derived from the ERJ145. In the commercial sector, Star Air operates a fleet of E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.

 

Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of Adani Enterprises Ltd, is described as India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace company, with activities spanning aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons and sustainment, as well as a growing MRO and pilot training ecosystem.