Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 27: Adani Defence & Aerospace, a leading player in India’s aerospace and defence sector and the flagship defence arm of Adani Enterprises Ltd, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil-based global aerospace major Embraer to develop an integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India.
The partnership aims to explore collaboration in aircraft manufacturing, supply chain development, aftermarket services and pilot training, with a focus on advancing India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme. The initiative aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and the UDAN scheme to enhance regional air connectivity across the country.
As part of the proposed collaboration, the companies plan to establish an aircraft assembly line in India, followed by a phased increase in indigenisation. The initiative is expected to strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities while supporting regional aviation growth.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said that regional aviation plays a crucial role in economic expansion. He noted that initiatives like UDAN have transformed connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, making the development of an indigenous regional aviation ecosystem essential. He added that the collaboration would also help strengthen strategic ties between India and Brazil.
The partnership will combine Embraer’s global expertise in aircraft engineering and manufacturing with Adani’s extensive aviation footprint, which includes airport infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and pilot training.
Ashish Rajvanshi, President and CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, said the initiative marks a significant step towards building a self-reliant aviation ecosystem in India, generating high-skilled employment and enhancing the country’s standing in the global aerospace industry.
Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO Arjan Meijer described India as a pivotal market for the company, stating that the collaboration would evaluate advanced and efficient solutions to support India’s RTA ambitions and assess their potential implementation.
Embraer currently has a strong presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 variants 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 regional carrier Star Air operates a fleet of 13 Embraer E175 and ERJ145 aircraft.
Adani Defence & Aerospace is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace player, 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 while advancing indigenous manufacturing aligned with national security priorities.