Brazilian aerospace company Embraer is exploring partnerships with potential suppliers in India to support wide-ranging collaborations across its defence and commercial aviation sectors. The move aims to expand the company's supply chain in India and boost local partnerships in key areas.

The announcement follows a visit by Embraer senior executives to India, where they assessed opportunities for supply chain expansion. The company has identified several areas of collaboration, including aerostructures, machining, composites, and software development, according to a statement from Embraer.

Roberto Chaves, Embraer’s executive vice president of global procurement and supply chain, emphasised the potential of India’s aerospace sector. “India has a robust aviation and defence industry, and we see strong viability for manufacturers and systems developers in India to be key suppliers to Embraer,” said Chaves.

Currently, 44 Embraer aircraft operate in India across various segments, including commercial, defence, and business aviation. Among the operators is regional carrier Star Air, which uses ERJ-145 and E175 aircraft in its fleet. The Indian Air Force also operates the ERJ-145-based ‘Netra’ airborne early warning and control aircraft.

Embraer is also positioning itself for a “key future opportunity” in India’s ongoing Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) acquisition program, promoting its C-390 tactical transport aircraft as a suitable option for the initiative. Earlier this year, Embraer partnered with Mahindra Defence Systems to advance the C-390’s candidacy for the MTA programme.

“Embraer sees India as a key partner in the region and expects, together with Mahindra, to implement an extensive local supply chain program. This initiative may include an assembly line for the C-390 in India when selected for this programme,” Embraer stated.

The announcement comes shortly after Lockheed Martin expanded its partnership with India’s Tata Advanced Systems to establish a domestic MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facility for the C-130J tactical transport. Lockheed is also competing for the MTA programme with its C-130J.

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