Adani Defence & Aerospace, Embraer partner to develop India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem
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Adani Defence & Aerospace, the aerospace and defence arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has entered a strategic partnership with Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer to develop a regional transport aircraft (RTA) ecosystem in India. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on aircraft manufacturing, supply chain development, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, and pilot training.
Focus on domestic manufacturing and indigenisation
The partnership will focus on establishing an assembly line in India with phased indigenisation, supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the UDAN regional connectivity program.
“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.
Leveraging expertise and infrastructure
The collaboration leverages Embraer’s engineering and manufacturing experience alongside Adani’s existing aviation infrastructure, which includes airport management, aerospace manufacturing, MRO services, and pilot training.
“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 for implementation.”
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Adani Defence & Aerospace plans to use the venture to generate employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services, contributing to India’s domestic aviation capabilities. Ashish Rajvanshi, President and CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said, “We are shaping India’s regional transport aircraft ecosystem, a bold stride toward Aatmanirbhar aviation that bridges urban-rural divides and elevates India’s position in the global aerospace industry.”
Existing footprint and future prospects
Embraer currently has a presence in India with nearly 50 aircraft operating across commercial, defence, and business aviation, including platforms used by Indian Air Force and operators such as Star Air. Adani Defence & Aerospace is the country’s largest integrated private aerospace and defence company, with capabilities spanning aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons, and lifecycle sustainment.
The partnership represents a significant step in India’s efforts to build a domestic regional aviation industry capable of meeting both civil and defence requirements.