DELHI- India is set to become a potential production hub for Embraer’s C-390 military transport aircraft as the Brazilian manufacturer intensifies its bid for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
The proposal comes as India plans to modernise its ageing airlift fleet through a large-scale procurement expected to cover up to 80 aircraft.
Embraer Defence & Security is positioning the C-390 as a high-capability alternative, while also offering deep industrial participation and local manufacturing to meet India’s defence production policies.
India MTA Modernisation Programme
India’s MTA programme aims to recapitalise a fleet that includes more than 100 Antonov An-32 aircraft and 17 Ilyushin Il-76 jets.
The formal request for proposal has not yet been released, but industry expectations point to a competitive tender involving global aerospace manufacturers, Flight Global reported
The Indian government is expected to evaluate bids based on performance, cost efficiency, and localisation requirements.
Defence acquisition guidelines in India typically require significant domestic sourcing, which makes industrial partnerships a critical factor in the selection process.
C390 Assembly Line India Program
Embraer has confirmed it is willing to establish a second final assembly line for the C-390 in India if selected. The company already produces the aircraft at its Gavião Peixoto facility in Brazil and plans to replicate a similar setup with an Indian partner.
The manufacturer is working with Mahindra to enable local production, including potential transfer of structural manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
Executives have stated that the Indian facility could also support future global C-390 exports, expanding India’s role in Embraer’s supply chain.
Embraer has indicated that it is prepared to transfer substantial technology, depending on localisation requirements. The plan could include additional production units beyond final assembly to meet India’s offset obligations.
Global Military Competition Landscape
The C-390 will face strong competition from the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus A400M in the Indian tender.
Lockheed already has industrial cooperation in India through Tata, while Airbus has established C295 assembly operations in Vadodara.
Performance comparisons highlight different strengths across platforms, with the C-390 offering higher speed and payload efficiency. However, the C-130J is recognised for its proven short-field and high-altitude operations, which remain important for India’s Himalayan requirements.
Embraer leadership has expressed confidence that the C-390 offers superior operational flexibility and lower maintenance costs.
As India moves closer to issuing its formal tender, competition is expected to intensify across industrial and technical parameters.
The Indian Air Force is reportedly accelerating discussions on the MTA programme, reflecting growing urgency to replace its ageing transport fleet.
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