India to become hub for C-390 military freighter after Embraer-Mahindra deal
The agreement provides for local production and support for the "Make in India" strategy, focusing on military transport for the Indian Air Force.
247 - Embraer Defense & Security has signed a strategic agreement with the Mahindra Group within the framework of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The partnership was announced during the inauguration of the Brazilian manufacturer's new office in New Delhi.
According to the newspaper The State of S. PaulThe agreement expands upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2024 at the Brazilian Embassy in India. The initiative deepens cooperation in areas such as joint trade, industrialization, and the development of India as a regional hub for the C-390 Millennium cargo aircraft, which has been gaining ground in several countries.
Cooperation for industrialization and local support
Embraer announced that it will work together with Mahindra and the Indian aerospace ecosystem to identify manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance opportunities.
"The long-term goal is to position India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, meeting the needs of the country and the region," the company highlighted.
Executive statements
The president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior, described the agreement as an important milestone.
“India’s aerospace industry is dynamic and high-level, and we seek to deliver a more advanced and reliable joint military transport solution for the Indian Air Force,” he stated. “This partnership is more than just an aerospace agreement. It reflects our commitment to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the growing friendship between Brazil and India.”
Vinod Sahay, a member of the Mahindra Group's Executive Board, highlighted that the cooperation aligns with India's strategic ambitions. "By deepening our collaboration with Embraer, we will ensure that the C-390 Millennium presented for the IAF's MTA campaign not only contributes to India's security and aspirations, but also supports the 'Make in India' philosophy and further enhances the country's self-sufficiency," he stated.
The distinguishing features of the C-390 Millennium
The C-390 is considered one of the most advanced military cargo planes currently in service. Capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload, it flies at 470 knots and covers greater distances than other aircraft in the same category.
In addition to Brazil, it has already been selected by countries such as Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania, and by a client who has not yet been revealed.
Embraer's expansion in India
According to the report, the new office in New Delhi will serve as an operations center to strengthen Embraer's presence in the Indian market. The unit will bring together specialized teams in engineering, purchasing, and supply chain management, keeping pace with the demands of the local aerospace sector.
"This strategic investment reflects the company's long-term vision of strengthening its presence in India and closely collaborating with local industry to support the country's self-sufficiency mission, based on the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiatives," Embraer concluded.
