Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra have joined forces to drive the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force, in bilateral cooperation between Brazil and India in the defence sector. The partnership aims to support India’s aspirations for self-reliance in defence production, in line with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative[5].
The C-390 Millennium is a versatile aircraft with a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, making it suitable for various missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian assistance. The aircraft’s air-to-air refuelling capability enhances its versatility, positioning it as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force[5].
Embraer and Mahindra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at pursuing the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project. The signing ceremony, held at the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi, shows the commitment of both companies to support India’s defence production[5].
The C-390 Millennium has a record of 11,500 flight hours and operational availability exceeding 80%. South Korea, Austria, and the Czech Republic have also selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium for their military transport needs. Austria has confirmed the selection of the C-390 as a replacement for its C-130 fleet, with four units set to be acquired at an estimated cost of €130m ($140.4m) to €150m ($162m) per aircraft. The Czech Republic is negotiating to acquire two C-390 Millennium aircraft[5].
The joint endeavour will see Embraer and Mahindra collaborate with local aerospace industry stakeholders to develop an industrialisation plan tailored to India’s requirements. The partnership aims to propel India’s aerospace industry onto the global stage while reinforcing the nation’s defence preparedness and self-sufficiency aspirations[5].
This partnership between Embraer and Mahindra is a significant step towards India’s goal of self-reliance in defence production. The C-390 Millennium offers advanced capabilities and versatility, making it an attractive option for the Indian Air Force. The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra is expected to drive the acquisition process and support the development of India’s aerospace industry, contributing to the nation’s defence preparedness and self-sufficiency aspirations[5].
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