New Delhi announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra on February 9, 2024, marking a significant step towards the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was formalised at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, underscoring both companies’ commitment to the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Mr. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting India’s robust defense and aerospace capabilities. “We are honored to announce this MoU with Mahindra,” he said. “India has a diverse and strong defense and aerospace industry and we have chosen Mahindra as our partner to jointly pursue the MTA program.”
The collaboration seeks not only to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project but also aims to foster closer ties between Brazil and India, thereby encouraging cooperation among nations of the Global South.
Mr. Vinod Sahay, President Aerospace & Defence Sector and Member of Group Executive Board at Mahindra, shared the sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of the C-390 Millennium. “We are proud to start this partnership with Embraer, a company that is known for its engineering excellence and a unique portfolio of aircraft and systems,” he remarked. “The C-390 Millennium is the most advanced military airlifter in the market, and we believe that this partnership will not only bolster the operational prowess of the Indian Air Force but also provide an efficient industrialization solution that aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Make in India.”
The MoU was signed by representatives from Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, a subsidiary specializing in security and armored transport.
Embraer’s presence in India spans across defense, commercial, and executive aviation sectors, having held a C-390 Millennium Day in New Delhi in August 2023 to enhance local industry engagement.
Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its capabilities and reliability, achieving impressive operational availability and mission completion rates. The aircraft, selected by several countries including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, offers versatile mission capabilities ranging from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation and humanitarian missions.
This collaboration aims to position India as a regional hub for the C-390 aircraft, leveraging advanced aerospace and military transport technology.
