Embraer-Mahindra Tie-up to Introduce the C-390 Millennium to India

Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Group have signed a landmark strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) to advance the C-390 Millennium solution for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This agreement was inked alongside the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in Aerocity, New Delhi on October 17.

The agreement builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding 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. Since the signing, the C-390 Millennium aircraft has further increased its operator base globally.

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.

This partnership unites Brazil’s world-class aerospace innovation with India’s manufacturing prowess and contributes to the strengthening of ties between the two nations while positioning India as a potential hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft in the region.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, president & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior said, “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 ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the growing friendship between two major economies, Brazil and India.”

Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, Vinod Sahay said “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.”

According to the company press release, C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It 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 current fleet, in operation, has demonstrated a mission completion rate of more than 99 per cent, highlighting exceptional productivity in its category.

Already selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania and an undisclosed customer, the C-390 Millennium has the capability, versatility and performance to serve India’s strategic needs.