Brazilian defense firm Embraer Defense and Security and the Mahindra Group announced the signing of a MoU to collaborate on the C-390 Millennium aircraft. This collaboration comes in response to the Indian Air Force's requirement for new medium transport aircraft.

The potential order by the Indian Air Force for 40 to 80 medium transport aircraft is anticipated to include technology transfer and the establishment of a manufacturing line within the country. This initiative aims to achieve a greater level of indigenization in the production process.

Embraer Defense and Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior stated, "We are pleased 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 collectively pursue the MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) program."

Embraer considers India a crucial market and extends full support to India's aspirations for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. This partnership is viewed as a testament to enhancing relations between Brazil and India, while also serving as a means to promote cooperation among countries in the Global South.

As per reports, in addition to Embraer's C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin's C-130J and Airbus' A-400M will vie for the Indian order. The Indian Air Force is in search of a new transport aircraft with an 18 to 30-tonne cargo capacity.

Embraer and Mahindra will collaborate with the IAF to determine the next steps of the MTA program and engage with the local aerospace industry in India to develop an industrialization plan, as per Embraer's statement.

Vinod Sahay, President of Mahindra's aerospace and defense business, stated that the C-390 Millennium stands out as the most advanced military air lifter available in the market. He expressed confidence that this partnership will enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF while offering an efficient solution for industrialization that aligns with the objectives of the Make in India initiative.

Embraer and Mahindra seek to make India a regional hub for the C-390 aircraft. The Indian Air Force operates 12 C-130J aircraft, and Airbus is partnering with Tata Advanced Systems Limited for 56 C-295 aircraft. Embraer has supplied eight jets for VVIP travel and airborne early warning and control in India's defense sector.

IAF requested information from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) last year on technology transfer, enhancing indigenization, establishing a manufacturing line, indigenous manufacture of systems and components, and the potential for India to become a hub for manufacturing and Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO).

Image source: Hindustan Times