The Indian Air Force has started reviewing responses to its Request for Information (RFI) regarding the acquisition of tactical Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). During a recent press conference in New Delhi, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari stated that the RFI was initiated to replace the IL-76, and they have received responses that are currently under evaluation.
In the meanwhile, Austria became another customer for the C395 Millennium aircraft of Embraer. This decision aligns Austria with other countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands, all of which have recognized the C-390 Millennium’s capabilities in the tactical transport sector, reshaping industry standards.
Embraer has issued an official statement expressing its readiness to support the Austrian Ministry of Defence and Air Force in meeting their stringent acquisition requirements. The company is committed to strengthening its relationship with Austria.
Embraer & IAF
Embraer’s involvement with the Indian Air Force is also noteworthy. The Brazilian aerospace firm has responded to the IAF’s RFI for the MTA and is exploring partnerships with Indian companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Tata Group. By the end of 2023, the Brazilian company is expected to finalize its collaboration with an Indian partner.
Joao Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, has indicated that the company is closely observing developments in India and engaging in discussions with several Indian entities, both government and private, regarding the IAF’s MTA project. Beyond military aircraft, Embraer is exploring potential partnerships in the commercial aircraft sector.
Financial Express has reported previously that the company’s interest in India extends beyond business transactions. Last month ahead of the G20 Summit under India’s presidency, top leadership of Embraer visited Indian facilities and evaluated potential collaborations in line with the “make-in-India” initiative. At the end of the visit to various facilities, the company said that it is open to various agreements to expand its presence in the Indian market and is willing to share intellectual properties if necessary.
Regarding the IAF’s RFI, Embraer is vying for the opportunity to supply 40-80 Medium Transport Aircraft, offering its C-390 Millennium aircraft. Competing with other notable contenders like Lockheed Martin Corp’s C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus Defence and Space A400M aircraft, Embraer is committed to establishing a strong brand presence in India, irrespective of the outcome. Currently, Embraer operates around 40 aircraft in India, serving various roles in defence, executive, and commercial aviation.
India, and Embraer aims to maintain a significant presence in the country. Their commitment extends beyond potential contracts, with a desire to establish Embraer Defence & Security as a prominent brand in India.
Embraer’s existing presence in India consists of approximately 40 aircraft employed in various capacities, including defence, executive, and commercial aviation. This presence underscores the company’s long-term interest in India and its dedication to contributing to the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
About C-390
The C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its remarkable versatility and operational effectiveness in collaboration with the Brazilian Air Force. Recent statistics from the Brazilian Air Force’s C-390 Millennium fleet indicate an impressive mission completion rate of 99 percent, underscoring its exceptional performance in its category.
This aircraft stands as the most contemporary military tactical transport aircraft, offering an unparalleled combination of cost-efficiency and swift operational turnaround. The C-390 Millennium surpasses its counterparts by carrying a larger cargo load of 26 tons and achieving higher speeds at 470 knots, while also covering longer distances within a standard crew duty day.
The C-390 Millennium’s multifaceted capabilities enable it to execute a wide spectrum of missions on a single platform, ranging from Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) for both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, airborne operations encompassing airdrops, troop and cargo transport, humanitarian endeavours, medical evacuation, firefighting, and search and rescue missions. Its adaptability for rapid reconfiguration among these diverse roles simplifies operational flexibility. The aircraft’s design allows it to operate from semi-prepared or damaged runways and withstand hostile environmental conditions, spanning from hot and humid to cold and arid climates. Notably, the C-390 is certified for operations from airfields with altitudes of up to 14,000 feet, making it well-suited to support the Indian Air Force’s operations in India’s northern regions.