Mahindra, Embraer Collaborate to Bring C-390 Millennium to India

• Embraer-Mahindra pact brings C-390 to IAF's MTA program.
• Focuses on local manufacturing, MRO; builds on Feb 2024 MoU.
• C-390: 26-tonne payload, 470 knots speed, 99% mission rate.

Mahindra Group and Brazil's Embraer Defense & Security have signed a strategic agreement with the objective of introducing the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India in line with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The agreement signed during the launch of Embraer's local office in New Delhi is moving the C-390 as a candidate for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) program. Besides, it is also exploring the possibilities of local manufacturing, assembling as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) to set India as a hub for the region.

By an MoU signed in February 2024, the cooperational relationship is committed to self-reliance and mutual defense relations between India and Brazil. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer, said: "This is a landmark event. Our joint efforts are aimed at providing the IAF with the most state-of-the-art solution, which is in line not only with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and the strengthening of Brazil-India relations, but also with our environmental sustainability focus". Vinod Sahay, Executive Board Member of Mahindra Group, commented: "The C-390 is the best in the world. It will not only provide security to India but also help in the 'Make in India' initiative."

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The C-390 Millennium, which is a part of the Brazilian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Dutch, and South Korean Air Forces, all of which have a mission success rate of over 99%, is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as cargo/troop transport (26-tonne payload), air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting, and humanitarian aid. Moreover, it can reach speeds of up to 470 knots, thereby making it a very useful aircraft for several operations.

Embraer, a leader in the world market with more than 9,000 aircraft delivered, complements with Mahindra Group's diverse portfolio in mobility, IT, finance, energy, and agriculture to drive innovation. With this partnership, India becomes a market of $25 billion in aerospace which is projected to double by 2030. Besides, it is a great step towards indigenous tech transfer and skill development in the country.