Embraer Eyes India as Asia-Pacific Hub for C-390M

SOURCE: AFI

Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is positioning India as a potential base for its C-390M aircraft’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the Asia-Pacific region. This strategic move is contingent on the Indian Air Force (IAF) selecting the C-390M for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement.

The company’s confidence stems from the recent success of securing a significant order for the C-390M from South Korea, marking its first sale in Asia. This breakthrough, coupled with the growing demand for advanced transport aircraft in the region, has fueled Embraer’s optimism.

To strengthen its foothold in India, Embraer has forged a partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems. The joint venture aims to offer the C-390M to the IAF, which is seeking to replace its aging AN-32 fleet with a potential requirement of 40 to 80 aircraft.

Embraer’s global expansion strategy also includes Saudi Arabia, where it has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a regional MRO hub and assembly line for the C-390M. This indicates the company’s ambitious plans to become a major player in the military transport aircraft market.

If India selects the C-390M, it could significantly boost the domestic aerospace industry, creating job opportunities and fostering technology transfer. Moreover, establishing an MRO facility would position India as a regional maintenance hub, attracting further investments and expertise.