Mahindra Group has partnered with Embraer Defense & Security through a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) aimed at advancing the C-390 Millennium aircraft for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. The agreement coincided with the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in Aerocity, New Delhi.
This new collaboration builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2024 at the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi. The partnership extends into joint marketing, industrialisation, and the development of India as a hub for the C-390 Millennium. Since its launch, the aircraft has expanded its operator base worldwide, reinforcing its global reputation.
Under this agreement, Embraer and Mahindra will engage with stakeholders across India’s military and aerospace ecosystem to explore opportunities in local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain development, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) activities. The long-term goal is to establish India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium, catering to both domestic and regional requirements.
The C-390 Millennium is a state-of-the-art military transport aircraft, capable of carrying up to 26 tons—more than other medium-sized transport planes. It flies faster (470 knots) and farther, performing missions such as cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. The aircraft can even operate from temporary or unpaved runways and can be configured for air-to-air refueling. With a mission completion rate exceeding 99%, the C-390 has proven its reliability and efficiency.
Already in service with air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania, and an undisclosed customer, the C-390 Millennium is set to strengthen India’s strategic capabilities while reinforcing ties between India and Brazil. This collaboration merges Brazilian aerospace innovation with India’s manufacturing expertise, positioning India as a potential regional hub for the aircraft.