SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a bold move to deepen its footprint in the Indian defence market, Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has announced plans to establish a final assembly line for its C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft in India, contingent on winning the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.
This ambitious proposal not only aims to meet India’s requirement for 60-80 jets but also positions India as a potential export, maintenance, and training hub for the Asia-Pacific region. If successful, the IAF would emerge as the largest operator of the C-390 Millennium worldwide, surpassing the combined orders from existing customers, including the Brazilian Air Force.
The IAF’s MTA tender, launched to replace its ageing fleet of Antonov An-32s, seeks a medium transport aircraft with a payload capacity of 18-30 tons. The requirement for 60-80 aircraft—depending on final negotiations—represents one of the largest military transport procurements globally in recent years. Embraer, alongside competitors Lockheed Martin (C-130J Super Hercules) and Airbus (A400M Atlas), has positioned the C-390 as a versatile, cost-competitive option tailored to India’s operational needs, including high-altitude operations and rapid deployment capabilities.
In February 2024, Embraer partnered with India’s Mahindra Defence Systems through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue the MTA contract. This collaboration, formalized at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, emphasizes local production under India’s “Make in India” initiative. Embraer’s latest proposal, unveiled in early 2025, takes this partnership a step further by committing to a final assembly line in India should it secure the tender. This facility would not only produce aircraft for the IAF but also serve as a regional hub for new export customers, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and training programs across the Asia-Pacific.
Embraer’s vision extends beyond fulfilling India’s immediate needs. The company sees India’s strategic location, robust aerospace ecosystem, and growing defence ambitions as ideal for establishing a C-390 hub. “India has the potential to become a centre of excellence for the C-390 in the Asia-Pacific,” said Embraer Defense & Security offical to idrw.org, in a recent statement. “A final assembly line here would support exports to regional allies, provide MRO services, and train aircrews and technicians, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem.”
The Asia-Pacific region, home to emerging defence markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, represents untapped potential for the C-390. These nations, seeking modern yet affordable transport aircraft, could benefit from India’s proximity and lower operational costs compared to Western or Brazilian hubs. Additionally, India’s existing experience with Embraer platforms—such as the ERJ-145-based Netra airborne early warning aircraft—provides a foundation for technical expertise and infrastructure development.
The proposed hub would also include a training academy, leveraging India’s skilled workforce to certify pilots, loadmasters, and maintenance crews for both Indian and foreign operators. An MRO facility would ensure long-term sustainment, reducing downtime and costs for C-390 fleets across the region—a model Embraer has successfully implemented in Brazil and is exploring in Saudi Arabia with a similar partnership.
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