India has taken a major step toward becoming a global aircraft manufacturing hub as Adani Aerospace and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a regional transport aircraft ecosystem in the country.
The partnership aligns with India’s long-term vision to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities.
The agreement was officially announced at the Civil Aviation Ministry at 10 am on Tuesday, January 27, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation manufacturing journey.
The collaboration will focus on developing, manufacturing, and sustaining commercial regional aircraft in India, while also strengthening the broader aerospace ecosystem.
Local manufacturing will be carried out in a phased manner under India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme. The scope of the partnership extends beyond assembly lines.
The agreement includes:
Aircraft assembly and manufacturing
Supply chain development
Pilot and technical training
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services
Aftermarket support and lifecycle services
Highlighting the strategic importance of the deal, Aviation ministry secretary Samir Sinha said:
“As we all know, Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,800 aircraft, and this reflects strong global confidence in India’s aviation growth story. However, a resilient and sustainable aviation ecosystem cannot rely only on imports for long-term competitiveness,”
He further underlined that:
India has begun the shift from a large aviation market to a manufacturing nation and that the country aims to join the global aircraft manufacturing value chain.
The facility will assemble Embraer’s regional jets, which are commercial aircraft typically seating between 70 and 146 passengers.
These aircraft are designed for:
Short-to-medium haul routes
Regional connectivity
High-frequency domestic and international operations
Such aircraft are considered crucial for expanding air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India.
The agreement marks a significant development in India’s push to build a domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and expand the footprint of private companies in commercial aircraft production, a segment traditionally dominated by global giants.
It also supports India’s broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in high-technology manufacturing.
Embraer is the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer after Airbus and Boeing, with a strong global presence across:
Commercial aviation
Defense and security
Business jets
The company’s decision to deepen manufacturing ties with India highlights the country’s growing strategic importance in global aviation supply chains.
Reduces India’s long-term reliance on imported aircraft
Strengthens domestic aerospace capabilities
Creates high-skill jobs and supply chain opportunities
Positions India within the global aircraft manufacturing value chain
Supports future growth of regional air connectivity