Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems have taken a significant step forward in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium aircraft for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.
The historic agreement was inked at the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in defence cooperation between Brazil and India.
Mr Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating,
“India is a key market for Embraer, and we are honoured to collaborate with Mahindra in the MTA program.”
He highlighted the move as a testament to Embraer’s support for India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and a step towards fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
The partnership aims to engage with the Indian Air Force to outline the next phases of the MTA program and initiate the development of an industrialisation plan in collaboration with India’s local aerospace industry.
Mr Vinod Sahay, President Aerospace & Defence Sector at Mahindra, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, noting,
“The C-390 Millennium is the most advanced military airlifter on the market, and this collaboration aligns with the Make in India objectives, promising to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.”
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium aircraft stands out for its unmatched mobility, high productivity, and operational flexibility, paired with low operating costs. Since its induction into the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the aircraft has demonstrated exceptional reliability and performance, with an operational fleet accumulating over 11,500 flight hours.
The C-390 Millennium is capable of performing a wide array of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can operate on various types of runways and is equipped for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and receiver.
The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra not only promises to bolster the Indian Air Force’s transport capabilities but also explores turning India into a regional hub for the C-390 aircraft.
This partnership underlines the commitment of both companies to bring cutting-edge aerospace and military transport technology to India, paving the way for a future of enhanced defence readiness and cooperation.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
