Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Group, have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to advance the C-390 Millennium solution for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
The agreement builds upon the memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024, deepening the scope of cooperation to include joint marketing, industrialisation and developing India as a hub for the C-390 Millennium.
A joint statement said, “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, it added.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, 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.”
Vinod Sahay, member of group executive board, Mahindra Group, 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 contributes to India’s security and aspirations.”
The C-390 Millennium is among the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tonne) 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 C-390 Millennium serves air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.