Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Group, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to advance the C-390 Millennium solution for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
“The agreement is a significant milestone in our relationship with Mahindra Group. India’s aerospace industry is dynamic and world-class, and together we aim to deliver the most advanced and reliable military transport solution to the Indian Air Force. This partnership is more than an aerospace deal – it reflects our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the growing friendship between Brazil and India," President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior, said.
The agreement will build upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024 at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, deepening the scope of cooperation to include joint marketing, industrialisation and developing India as a hub for the C-390 Millennium.
“The C-390 Millennium is unmatched in capability, efficiency, and versatility. By deepening our collaboration with Embraer, together we will ensure that the C-390 Millenium for the IAF’s MTA campaign will not only contribute to India’s security and aspirations but also supports the ‘Make in India’ philosophy and further self-reliance," Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, Vinod Sahay, stated.
Embraer and Mahindra Group will work closely with stakeholders in the country and engage with India’s military and aerospace ecosystem to identify opportunities for local manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply chain and MRO activities. The long-term ambition is to position India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, serving both domestic and regional requirements.
The C-390 Millennium can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue], firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.
The C-390 Millennium has already been selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania and an undisclosed customer.