SOURCE: AFI
Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is intensifying its bid to secure the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) contract with a bold proposal to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India for its C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft. Raul Villaron, Embraer Commercial Aviation’s Head of Asia-Pacific, emphasized that the viability of this ambitious plan depends on the size of the order, with the IAF expected to procure 40 to 80 aircraft—a significant commitment for a medium-lift platform.
This move, aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative, could position India as a regional hub for C-390 production, maintenance, and exports, potentially transforming the country’s aerospace ecosystem. However, with competitors like Lockheed Martin’s C-130J and Airbus’s A400M in the race, Embraer’s success hinges on its ability to leverage partnerships, cost-effectiveness, and the C-390’s proven capabilities.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium, a twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft, is designed to replace aging fleets like the IAF’s Antonov An-32s, which are nearing the end of their service life. With a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, the C-390 can carry two M113 armored personnel carriers, a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter, or up to 80 soldiers, offering versatility for troop transport, airdrops, aerial refueling, and humanitarian missions. Powered by International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofans, the aircraft boasts a cruising speed of 870 km/h (Mach 0.8), a 2,820 km range with a 23-tonne payload, and a service ceiling of 36,000 feet. Its advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls, and low life-cycle costs make it a formidable contender in the MTA competition.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 has logged over 11,500 flight hours with an 80% operational availability and a 99% mission completion rate. Its performance in high-stakes missions, such as airlifting medical supplies during Brazil’s 2021 COVID-19 crisis in Manaus and delivering aid post the 2020 Beirut explosion, underscores its reliability and multi-mission capability.
The IAF’s MTA program seeks to procure 40 to 80 medium transport aircraft to modernize its airlift capabilities, with a decision expected by 2026–2027. The tender mandates over 50% local production under India’s “Make in India” policy, driving Embraer to propose a robust industrialization plan. In February 2024, Embraer partnered with Mahindra Defence Systems through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue the MTA contract, with plans to establish a local supply chain for aerostructures, composites, and avionics.
Raul Villaron, speaking to The Indian Express, highlighted the scale of the opportunity: “In the case of a C-390, the expectation is to have a deal for 40 to 80 aircraft, which is a lot for that size of aircraft.” He emphasized that an order of this magnitude would justify setting up an FAL in India, enabling local production and positioning the country as an Asia-Pacific hub for C-390 manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), and training. This aligns with Embraer’s broader vision to tap into India’s strategic location and growing aerospace ecosystem to serve emerging markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Establishing a C-390 FAL in India would be a transformative step for both Embraer and the Indian aerospace industry. The proposed facility would not only produce aircraft for the IAF but also support exports to regional allies, creating jobs and fostering technology transfer. Embraer’s partnership with Mahindra aims to integrate Indian suppliers for components like machining, sheet metal, and software development, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
India’s experience with Embraer platforms, such as the ERJ-145-based Netra airborne early warning aircraft and Legacy 600 jets used for VIP transport, provides a foundation for technical expertise. An FAL would further enhance India’s capabilities, potentially mirroring the success of the Tata-Airbus C-295 production facility in Vadodara, which is set to deliver 56 aircraft to the IAF. Embraer’s global order book, including contracts with Brazil (19 aircraft), Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and South Korea, underscores the C-390’s growing appeal, with India’s potential order making it the largest operator worldwide.
The MTA competition is fierce, with Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus’s A400M Atlas as key rivals. The C-130J, a turboprop with a 19-tonne payload and a proven track record in India (12 already in service), is backed by Lockheed’s plan to select an Indian partner for local assembly by mid-2025. The A400M, with a 37-tonne payload, offers greater capacity but at a higher cost, potentially exceeding the IAF’s budget. IAF sources cited by idrw.org suggest the C-390 is the frontrunner due to its versatility for roles like airborne early warning, maritime patrol, and aerial refueling, coupled with lower operating costs.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.