Mahindra, Embraer join forces to bring advanced C-390 Millennium aircraft to India

In a significant stride for India’s defence capabilities and the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, Mahindra Group and Brazil’s Embraer Defense & Security on Friday announced a strategic alliance to introduce the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India.

The partnership, formalized during the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in New Delhi, is aimed at supporting the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. It will also engage India’s aerospace ecosystem to explore local manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) opportunities, potentially positioning India as a regional hub for the aircraft.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said, “This agreement is a milestone in our collaboration with Mahindra Group. India’s aerospace industry is world-class, and together we aim to deliver the most advanced and reliable military transport solution to the Indian Air Force. This partnership goes beyond business, it underscores our commitment to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and strengthens the friendship between Brazil and India.”

Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, added, “The C-390 Millennium stands out for its capability, efficiency, and versatility. By partnering with Embraer, we aim to not only enhance India’s security and defence aspirations but also support the 'Make in India' initiative and boost self-reliance.”

The C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes and fly at speeds of 470 knots, serving multiple roles including cargo and troop transport, air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft is already operational in countries including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, and South Korea, boasting a mission completion rate exceeding 99%.

Building on a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024, this alliance further deepens India-Brazil defence cooperation. Embraer, a leading global aerospace manufacturer with over 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, joins forces with Mahindra Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests spanning mobility, IT, finance, energy, and agriculture.

Mahindra was chosen over other contenders, including Tata, primarily due to its strong track record in defence manufacturing partnerships, agility in joint ventures, and experience in producing and maintaining aircraft components for both civil and military sectors. Industry sources suggest that Mahindra’s existing collaborations with international defence firms and its proven ability to deliver complex projects through quicker decision-making and efficient execution gave it an edge in Embraer’s selection process.