Embraer, Mahindra Sign MoU to Offer C-390 Transport Aircraft to India

Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The MoU was formalized at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi as part of the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.

The collaboration aims to engage with the Indian Air Force to determine the next steps of the MTA program and establish an industrialization plan by involving the local aerospace industry in India.

The MoU was signed by Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, a 100% owned subsidiary of Mahindra, specializing in armored transport and security-related products, including electronics.

The C-390 Millennium, with a payload capacity of 26 tonnes and a speed of 870 km/h, is capable of various missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian missions.

India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Program

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently in the Request for Information (RFI) stage for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) acquisition, seeking proposals for 40, 60, and 80 aircraft separately.

The IAF is considering options like Embraer's C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules turboprop and Airbus’ A400 airlifter.

Lockheed Martin proposes the C-130J Super Hercules, with 12 already in IAF service, capable of carrying around 20 tons. Airbus offers the A400M airlifter, surpassing the IAF’s payload requirement at 37 tons.