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To expand its presence in India, Brazilian aerospace major Embraer has taken a significant step, announcing the launch of a fully owned subsidiary with its corporate office set up in New Delhi’s AeroCity. The move signals Embraer’s intensified focus on India as a strategic market across commercial, business, and defence aviation sectors.
The new entity will support Embraer’s operations in India, where nearly 50 of its aircraft—from commercial jets to defence and business platforms—are already in service. The expansion will further bolster the company’s involvement in the country’s growing aerospace ecosystem, aligning with India’s Make in India initiative.
“India is a key market for Embraer, and this expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the country,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO of Embraer. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Indian aerospace and defence industry, leveraging our expertise and technology to contribute to the nation’s growth.”
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The Indian subsidiary will house teams dedicated to engineering, procurement, and supply chain functions. The focus also includes the emerging urban air mobility sector—positioning Embraer to capitalize on the full spectrum of aviation opportunities in India.
India-Brazil Defence Partnership
Embraer’s increased engagement reflects a broader trend of growing strategic cooperation between India and Brazil in the defence domain. A landmark initiative in this direction is the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Embraer Defence & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems last year. And to jointly offer the C-390 Millennium—a next-generation multi-mission transport aircraft—for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
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As reported previously, this collaboration is focussed on C-390 Millennium, and the two companies will bring the newest technology for military transport aircraft planes to India and also in the aerospace. The plan for is to make it a possible future centre for the C-390 in the region.
The Brazilian company has already responded to the Indian Air Force’s Request for Information (RFI) for Medium Transport Aircraft. It has flown its C-390 Millennium military multi-mission tactical air transport aircraft for the Aero-India show earlier this year.
The C-390, already operational with several air forces globally, offers unmatched versatility, including air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation, and cargo transport, with a superior payload capacity of 26 tons.
Embraer has worked closely with stakeholders in the development of the ERJ145 Netra AEW&C, currently being operated by the Indian forces.
BharatShakti has reported earlier, the South American nation is evaluating India’s homegrown Akash missile system to modernize its air defence under its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System initiative. The Akash missile, developed by India’s DRDO, is among two final contenders, the other being China’s Sky Dragon 50. Brazilian military officials have proposed a government-to-government deal to fast-track potential acquisition.
Financial Infrastructure for Defence Trade
Underscoring the deepening economic and defence ties, India’s Exim Bank is set to open its first Latin American office in Brazil next month. This development is expected to facilitate long-term financing of joint ventures and defence exports, supporting India’s goal of scaling defence exports to $6 billion by 2029.
Industrial Linkages
Beyond aerospace and missiles, Brazil and India are exploring joint manufacturing opportunities in naval platforms and small arms. Leading Brazilian arms manufacturers such as Taurus Armas S.A. and CBC have already established a presence in India, forming partnerships with Indian firms like SSS Defence and Jindal Defence.
This industrial collaboration extends to shared learning through initiatives such as the Scorpion Club, where both nations are engaging to exchange knowledge around the operation and maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines.
Commercial Aviation Opportunities
Embraer’s expansion in India also comes as its E-Jet family continues to unlock regional aviation growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Indian carrier Star Air operates an all-Embraer fleet, demonstrating the suitability of these aircraft for short-haul routes that larger jets cannot serve profitably.
The E-Jets, with a seating capacity below 150, offer a compelling solution to bridge India’s regional connectivity gap and support its ambitions of becoming a global aviation hub.
With its new subsidiary, defence collaborations, and commercial aviation push, Embraer is poised to become a key player in India’s aerospace future—cementing a strategic alliance that is increasingly resonating beyond industry and into geopolitics.
