Embraer-Adani Alliance Targets Regional Aircraft

Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace are teaming to develop regional air services in India. The Brazilian airframer signed a memorandum of understanding on January 27 to launch a partnership that will focus on possible local manufacturing of airliners, as well as supply chain support, aftermarket services, and pilot training.

The announcement did not specify when or how Indian manufacturing might begin, but indicated that an assembly line could be established. The partnership was described as being part of the “indigenization” goals of the Indian government’s Regional Transport Aircraft program, but did not explicitly confirm which Embraer aircraft programs.

To date, Embraer has made limited inroads into the Indian air transport sector with Star Air operating a fleet of 13 E175s and ERJ145s. The country’s air force operates the Legacy 600 business jet and the Netra airborne early warning and control platform, both based on the ERJ145.

The loose agreement is intended to signal support for the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Self-Reliant India policy. Adani and Embraer said they aim to support domestic air transport demand while generating significant direct and indirect employment across engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services.

“Regional aviation is the backbone of economic expansion,” said Adani Defence & Aerospace director Jeet Adani. “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. This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together.”

Ahmedabad-based Adani is a private defense and aerospace group seeking to expand its portfolio beyond drones. It is also active in maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as pilot training, weapons, and avionics.

The only other private aircraft manufacturer in India is Tata Advanced Systems, which is involved with Airbus’ C295 twin turboprop military transport and has production ambitions for commercial airliners. Last week, government-backed Hindustan Aeronautics announced plans to partner with Russia’s United Aircraft for local manufacturing of the SJ100 regional jet.

According to industrial intelligence group GlobalData, the Adani-Embraer agreement represents a “pragmatic effort” to launch export-ready aerospace manufacturing in India. “While domestic demand is robust, the longer-term opportunity lies in building certified production processes and a deep supplier base that can support Embraer programs globally,” said aerospace and defense analyst Vinayak Kamath.