NEW DELHI- Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at collaboratively facilitating the procurement of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of its forthcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement initiative.
The MoU signing took place at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi.
Embraer and Mahindra C-390 Aircraft Collab
Expressing their commitment to the partnership, Mr. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated,
“We are honored to announce this MoU with Mahindra. India boasts a diverse and robust defense and aerospace industry, and we have selected Mahindra as our partner to pursue the MTA program collectively. India holds strategic importance for Embraer, and we wholeheartedly support India’s aspirations for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ This collaboration is envisioned as a representation of the deepening ties between Brazil and India and a means to promote cooperation within the Global South.”
The next steps of the MTA program will involve engagement with the Indian Air Force and the initiation of discussions with the local aerospace industry in India to commence the development of an industrialization plan for the project.
Mr. Vinod Sahay, President of the Aerospace & Defence Sector and Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra, expressed pride in commencing the partnership with Embraer.
He emphasized Embraer’s reputation for engineering excellence and its distinctive portfolio of aircraft and systems. Regarding the C-390 Millennium, recognized as the most advanced military airlifter in the market, Sahay stated that the collaboration aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Furthermore, he highlighted the potential for an efficient industrialization solution that aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Make in India initiative.
Strengthening Roots in India
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally executed by Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mahindra, specializing in armored transport and security-related products, including electronics.
Embraer has already established a substantial presence in India, spanning defense, commercial aviation, and executive aviation.
In August 2023, the company organized a C-390 Millennium Day in New Delhi, India, aimed at deepening engagement with the local aerospace industry. The event garnered significant attendance from various stakeholders within the Indian ecosystem.
Medium Transport Aircraft
The C-390 Millennium, a multi-mission tactical transport aircraft, offers an unparalleled combination of mobility, high productivity, and operational flexibility, all while maintaining low operating costs, making it an unbeatable choice.
Since its introduction into service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and, more recently, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has consistently demonstrated its capacity, reliability, and performance.
The existing fleet has amassed over 11,500 flight hours, achieving an operational availability of approximately 80% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%, showcasing exceptional productivity within its category.
The Brazilian Air Force granted the C-390 Millennium its Full Operational Capability status in 2023, confirming the platform’s ability to execute all designated missions successfully.
The C-390 Millennium has garnered selection by several nations, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and most recently, South Korea.
Specifications of Embraer C-390
The C-390, identified as the most advanced military transport aircraft presently available, boasts a superior payload capacity of 26 tonnes, surpassing other medium-sized military transport aircraft.
With a speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), it excels in various missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian operations. Notably, the aircraft can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel.
Equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities and designated as the KC-390, the aircraft has successfully demonstrated its aerial refueling capacity, serving both as a tanker and a receiver. This was exemplified as it received fuel from another KC-390 utilizing pods installed under the wings.
The collaboration surrounding the C-390 Millennium aims to introduce cutting-edge aerospace and military transport technology to India. Both Embraer and Mahindra envision the potential to transform India into a future hub for the C-390 aircraft within the region.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.