The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking to acquire 40 to 80 Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) to enhance its operational capabilities. In response to a Request for Information (RfI), Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has proposed the C-390 as a potential option.
This move comes after Embraer’s victory against American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin’s C130-H Super Hercules in the Netherlands and South Korea.
South Korea last December selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft, making it the first Asian country to do so. The announcement came from South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on December 4, 2023, following a competitive public tender. The Brazilian company emerged a winner in the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II category, and signed a contract to supply the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft.
The Brazilian company was competing against other global aerospace giants including Lockheed Martin’s C-130J and the Airbus A400M Atlas.
Today (Feb 9, 2024), Embraer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra, an Indian company, to engage in discussions with the IAF and local aerospace companies.
Having achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) with the Brazilian Air Force in April 2023, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its readiness to execute missions according to specifications.
The C-390 Millennium, a medium-sized, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft, was officially inducted into the Brazilian Air Force on September 4, 2019. It was named the C-390 Millennium globally at the Dubai Airshow on November 18, 2019. With a load capacity of 26 tonnes (57,000 lb), the C-390 can perform various operational roles, including transporting VIPs, cargo, and conducting challenging logistical operations such as aerial refuelling. It is the heaviest aircraft manufactured by Embraer.
The aircraft is operated by a three-person flight crew, including two pilots and a loadmaster. It can carry 80 troops, 74 stretchers and eight attendants, or 66 paratroopers, among other combinations. Its dimensions include an overall length of 35.2 meters (115 ft 6 in), a wingspan of 35.05 m (115 ft), and a height of 11.84 m (38 ft 10 in). The Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) is 86,999 kilograms (191,800 lb).
Equipped with two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines generating 139.4 kilonewtons (31,330 lbf) of thrust each, the C-390 Millennium has a maximum speed of 988 km/h (614 mph, 533 kn) and a cruise speed of 870 km/h (540 mph, 470 kn). Its stall speed is approximately 193 km/h (120 mph, 104 kn) IAS.
The C-390 Millennium has a range of 5,820 km (3,610 mi, 3,140 nmi) with a payload of 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) and a ferry range of 8,500 km (5,300 mi, 4,600 nmi) with auxiliary fuel tanks. It is equipped with advanced avionics such as the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion and state-of-the-art systems and equipment including self-defence systems, in-flight refuelling capability, and automated drop point calculation systems.
While the IAF currently operates a dozen C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to provide comprehensive support for its fleet. However, Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, with its impressive payload capacity and advanced technological features, presents a compelling alternative.
As Embraer competes with industry counterparts under India’s Make in India initiative, the proposed agreement with Mahindra involves technology transfer and local manufacturing. Embraer’s commitment to align with this initiative is evident in its plans to establish indigenous manufacturing facilities and localization efforts, potentially positioning India as a hub for meeting regional MTA requirements.
The company’s comprehensive approach to localization, encompassing part manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), and technology transfer, aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties between Brazil and India.
This strategic partnership between Embraer and Mahindra not only benefits the Indian defence sector but also supports the broader goals of economic growth and technological advancement. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, both companies aim to drive innovation and enhance India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Moreover, “the C-390 Millennium’s performance capabilities make it a versatile asset for the IAF, capable of fulfilling a wide range of mission requirements. Its ability to transport troops, equipment, and supplies over long distances, coupled with its aerial refuelling capability, enhances the IAF’s operational flexibility and effectiveness,” explained a former IAF officer.
In comparison to the C-130J Super Hercules, the C-390 Millennium offers several advantages in terms of payload capacity, range, speed, and technological features. With a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, the C-390 Millennium surpasses the capabilities of both the C-130J (20 tonnes) by Lockheed Martin and the A-400M (37 tonnes) by European Airbus.
Furthermore, Embraer’s commitment to local manufacturing and technology transfer aligns with the Indian government’s priorities for indigenous defence production and self-reliance. By establishing manufacturing facilities and transferring technology to Indian partners, Embraer aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for aerospace manufacturing in India.
Overall, the choice between Embraer’s C-390 Millennium and Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules represents a significant decision for the Indian Air Force. While both aircraft offer unique capabilities, the C-390 Millennium’s advanced features, performance capabilities, and strategic partnership with Mahindra position it as a compelling option for meeting India’s future MTA requirements. As the IAF evaluates its options, the decision will likely consider factors such as operational effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, with the goal of enhancing India’s defence capabilities and national security.