Embraer and Mahindra Collaborate on C-390 Millennium Aircraft Acquisition for the Indian Air Force

Defense News ,India :- Embraer Defence & Security and Mahindra have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The MoU, signed at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, solidifies the partnership between the Brazilian and Indian aerospace companies, aiming to contribute to India's upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, expressed honor in announcing the MoU with Mahindra, citing India's robust defense and aerospace industry as a key reason for choosing Mahindra as a partner. The partnership is viewed as a step towards strengthening relations between Brazil and India and fostering cooperation within the Global South.

Embraer and Mahindra plan to collaborate with the Indian Air Force to determine the next steps for the MTA program. Additionally, they aim to engage with the local aerospace industry in India to formulate an industrialization plan for the C-390 Millennium project.

Vinod Sahay, President of Aerospace & Defence Sector at Mahindra, emphasized the pride in partnering with Embraer, highlighting the engineering excellence and unique aircraft portfolio of the Brazilian company. The C-390 Millennium, recognized as the most advanced military airlifter in the market, is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force while aligning with the objectives of the 'Make in India' initiative.

The MoU, signed by Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, marks the beginning of a collaboration focused on armoured transport and security-related products, including electronics.

Embraer, with an established presence in India, hosted a C-390 Millennium Day in New Delhi in August 2023 to deepen engagement with the local aerospace industry. The multi-mission tactical transport aircraft is known for its unmatched mobility, high productivity, operating flexibility, and low operating costs.

Having already entered service with the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Forces, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its capacity, reliability, and performance. With an operational availability of around 80% and mission completion rates above 99%, the aircraft has proven exceptional productivity. Attaining Full Operational Capability status in 2023, the C-390 Millennium is recognized for its ability to carry out various missions.

Selected by several countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, the C-390 Millennium is positioned as the most modern military transport aircraft in the market. Its capability to carry a substantial payload (26 t) and operate at speeds of 870 km/h make it a versatile choice for a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian missions.

The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra aims to bring cutting-edge aerospace and military transport technology to India, exploring the potential to establish India as a regional hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft.