Adani and Embraer Join Forces to Transform India’s Regional Aviation
#AviationNews \ #AdaniDefence #Embraer #AatmanirbharBharat #Aerospace #UDAN #MakeInIndia #RegionalAviation #IndiaBrazilRelations #DefenseIndustry“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.” - Ashish Rajvanshi, President & CEO - Adani Defence & Aerospace
January 2026 : In a major move to reshape India’s skies, Adani Defence & Aerospace and Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build a comprehensive integrated regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India.
The partnership targets the heart of India's aviation growth: the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) program. By combining Adani’s sprawling infrastructure with Embraer’s world-class engineering, the duo aims to establish a domestic assembly line and a robust supply chain to support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission and the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
The collaboration covers the entire aviation value chain - from aircraft manufacturing and aftermarket services to pilot training and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul). “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 Mr Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace. “This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together.”
Embraer already maintains a strong presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft in operation, including the IAF’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C and Star Air’s commercial fleet. This new venture, however, shifts the focus toward deep indigenization.
Mr Ashish Rajvanshi, President & CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, noted the social impact: “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.”
Mr Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, echoed this sentiment, stating: “Together, we will evaluate the most viable, advanced and efficient solutions in support of India’s RTA ambitions, and their potential for implementation.”
By leveraging Adani’s status as India’s largest private defense player and Embraer’s legacy of delivering over 9,000 aircraft globally, this alliance is set to turn India into a global hub for regional aviation manufacturing.
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