This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Deepens Industrial Footprint in India with Strategic Supply Chain and Manufacturing Agreements

Embraer has announced a significant expansion of its industrial presence in India, marking a strategic shift from aircraft sales to deep-rooted manufacturing partnerships. In early February 2026, the Brazilian aerospace giant confirmed it is advancing its supply chain development within the country, solidifying agreements that align with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

According to the company’s official statement, these developments include a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Adani Defence & Aerospace and continued cooperation with Mahindra for defense programs. The initiatives aim to establish a comprehensive “regional transport aircraft ecosystem” in India, covering everything from final assembly lines (FAL) to local supplier integration.

This move positions Embraer to better compete in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets by leveraging local engineering talent and meeting New Delhi’s requirements for technology transfer and domestic production.

Building a Civil Aviation Ecosystem with Adani

A central pillar of Embraer’s strategy involves its new partnership with Adani Defence & Aerospace. The companies signed an MoU in early 2026 with the objective of creating a robust infrastructure for regional transport aircraft. Embraer stated that this collaboration is designed to support the Indian government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which seeks to enhance connectivity between Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Key elements of the Adani partnership include:

• Final Assembly Line (FAL): Plans to establish India’s first assembly line dedicated to commercial passenger aircraft.
• Supply Chain Integration: Developing local suppliers for critical components such as aerostructures, machining, composites, and software.
• Support Infrastructure: The creation of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities and pilot training centers to ensure long-term operational sustainability.

By localizing these capabilities, Embraer aims to offer a more competitive value proposition for Indian carriers looking to expand their regional fleets with efficient jet aircraft.

Defense Ambitions: The C-390 Millennium

On the defense front, Embraer is reinforcing its collaboration with Mahindra Defence Systems. The two companies have reaffirmed their Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to offer the C-390 Millennium for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.

The IAF is currently seeking to replace its aging fleet of Antonov An-32s, with a procurement requirement estimated between 40 and 80 aircraft. Embraer has committed to setting up a manufacturing line in India if the C-390 is selected, effectively making the country a regional hub for the military transport platform.

Supply Chain Delegation

To support these ambitious manufacturing goals, a delegation of senior Embraer executives, led by Roberto Chaves, Executive VP of Global Procurement & Supply Chain, visited India in early February 2026. The delegation’s mission was to evaluate and onboard Indian suppliers capable of meeting Embraer’s global quality standards.

According to the press release, the company is specifically looking for partners in:

• Aerostructures and metal forming
• Machining and casting
• Composites and wiring harnesses
• Hardware and software development

“India is a key partner in shaping the future of aerospace, and we are dedicated to building sustainable cooperation that supports both the domestic industrial base and global initiatives.”

, Roberto Chaves, Executive VP of Global Procurement & Supply Chain, Embraer

AirPro News Analysis

We view this development as a critical pivot in Embraer’s global strategy. Historically, Western OEMs have viewed India primarily as a sales market. However, the “Make in India” policy has forced a change in tactics, requiring manufacturers to invest in local industrial capacity to win lucrative government contracts.

By partnering with two of India’s largest conglomerates, Adani and Mahindra, Embraer is effectively hedging its bets across civil and defense sectors. The Adani deal targets the booming commercial regional travel market, while the Mahindra alliance addresses the strategic defense needs of the IAF. This dual approach distinguishes Embraer from competitors who may focus heavily on just one sector.

Furthermore, diversifying the supply chain into India reduces Embraer’s reliance on traditional markets and allows it to tap into a cost-effective, high-skilled engineering workforce. This is essential as the company ramps up production to meet global demand for its E2 jets and C-390 military transports.

Current Market Footprint

Embraer already maintains a significant presence in the region. According to industry data cited in reports surrounding the announcement, approximately 44 to 50 Embraer aircraft are currently operating in India. This fleet spans commercial aviation (such as Star Air’s E175 fleet), executive jets, and defense assets.

Notably, the Indian Air-Forces operates three Netra AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, which are built upon Embraer’s ERJ145 platform. The success of the Netra program provides a strong precedent for future defense collaborations between Embraer and Indian defense agencies.

Sources

Sources: Embraer Press Release