Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer have exchanged an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the E175 regional jet for India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) program. The MoU was exchanged between Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO, Embraer and Mr Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Defence & Aerospace in the presence of Honourable President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the Honourable Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Mr Piyush Goyal.
This advancement from the initial MoU signed in January 2026 represents a significant step forward and forms part of a broader roadmap to develop an integrated RTA ecosystem in India. The MoU also represents strengthening of strategic relations between India and Brazil. The industrial partnership will aim to establish an ecosystem for the E175. Both companies are already working together to progress all aspects of the MoU, including opportunities in aircraft manufacturing, supply chain, aftermarket services, and pilot training, and securing orders to support the proposed FAL.
“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. “This partnership will also strengthen strategic relations between India and Brazil, bringing complementary capabilities together.”
“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,” said Ashish Rajvanshi, President & CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace.
“The E175 has a global track record of enabling efficient, high‑frequency regional operations and India is a key growth market in that segment,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO, Embraer. “This signing represents a critical milestone for our partnership, as we continue to work together on all aspects of the proposed aerospace ecosystem, including securing orders for a Final Assembly Line in India.”
As one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets in terms of passenger traffic, India is expected to require at least 500 aircraft in the 80‑to-146 seat segment over the next 20 years. This reflects a strong demand for efficient regional and short‑haul connectivity driven by smaller, efficient jets.
The E175, a proven regional jet with seating for up to 88 passengers, is uniquely suited to unlock India’s ‘blue ocean’ opportunities in uncontested market spaces concentrated in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These markets remain underserved by larger aircraft and the E175 can enable new routes, improved connectivity, reliable operations and accelerated expansion of regional air travel. As the government accelerates efforts to bring air travel to more people, the E175 offers a proven and efficient solution for the RTA, that aligns strongly with UDAN, which is transforming air connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities of India.
Adani Defence & Aerospace is India’s largest integrated private defence and aerospace player, building critical capabilities across domains and advancing indigenous aerospace and UAV manufacturing aligned with national security priorities and global requirements. With the country’s largest MRO ecosystem and a rapidly scaling pilot training platform, Adani Defence is strengthening India’s aviation value chain end to end. Its diversified portfolio spans aircraft, unmanned systems, avionics, weapons, and sustainment, anchored in long-term capability development and the pursuit of national self-reliance.
Embraer has a growing footprint and long history in India, with nearly 50 Embraer aircraft and 11 aircraft types currently operating across commercial, defence and business aviation.
Embraer and Hindalco sign MOU for aluminium business opportunities
Embraer and Hindalco Industries Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct exploratory activities to assess potential business opportunities in India. The joint action aims to identify possibilities in aerospace grade aluminum raw material manufacturing to support Embraer’s industrial initiatives while strengthening the company’s commitment to the Make in India ambition.
“This joint action reinforces our focus to identifying local partners that can become our suppliers and, in doing so, accelerate the development of the Indian industrial base,” said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. “The initiative enhances Embraer’s engagement to advancing the aerospace ecosystem in India, creating long‑term value across the entire supply chain.”
The signing of the MOU comes at a time when Embraer is steadily expanding its presence in India and maintaining active dialogue with local industry leaders and government stakeholders. Throughout this evaluation cycle, the company assessed a broad spectrum of industrial capabilities in the country, including aerostructure assembly, machining, metal forming, composites, wiring systems, and hardware and software development.
India represents a strategic market for Embraer across all its business units. The company currently has a fleet of 47 aircraft operating in the country, serving customers in Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, and Defense & Security. This includes five Embraer VIP jets operated by the Indian government and three EMB 145 AEW “Netra” aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.
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