Partnership with the Mahindra group aims to strengthen Brazil’s presence in one of the world’s largest defense markets and align production with the “Make in India” program.
Embraer has announced a strategic agreement with India’s Mahindra to jointly participate in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The goal is to offer the C-390 Millennium, the Brazilian manufacturer’s tactical transport aircraft, as an alternative to replace part of India’s current fleet.
If the consortium is selected, the production, final assembly, and maintenance of the C-390 will be carried out in India, in line with the government’s “Make in India” policy, which prioritizes domestic manufacturing and technological development.
According to the terms of the agreement, India will also become a regional center for assembly and technical maintenance of Embraer aircraft, involving local companies and manufacturers from the country’s defense industrial complex.
Strategic presence in New Delhi
The partnership reinforces Embraer’s expansion in the Asian market. In June of this year, the company inaugurated a subsidiary in New Delhi to strengthen its operations in the defense, civil, executive, and urban air mobility sectors.
C-390 Millennium: versatility and reliability
The C-390 Millennium is recognized for its high operational capability and flexibility across multiple missions. It can transport up to 26 tons of payload, operate on short or unpaved runways, and perform missions such as troop and vehicle transport, paratrooper deployment, aerial refueling, firefighting, and humanitarian operations.
Its reliability is proven by an operational availability rate above 99%, making it one of the most efficient platforms in its category.
Currently, the C-390 has been ordered or selected by nine countries, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and Sweden, consolidating the model as a global reference in military transport.
Expansion into the Asian market
For Embraer, the agreement with Mahindra represents a strategic step toward a definitive entry into Asia’s defense market, valued in billions of dollars. It also strengthens the strategic ties between Brazil and India, especially in defense and aeronautical technology.
Source and images: Embraer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
