Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has established itself as a leading player in the global aviation industry, offering a wide range of integrated solutions and advanced technologies. With a footprint spanning over 60 countries, Embraer Defense & Security has been actively expanding its market reach. India has become a focal point for this expansion, particularly in light of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. To meet India's growing defence needs, Embraer has proposed competitive bids aimed at securing an order for 40 to 80 units of its advanced C-390 Millennium aircraft.

Expanding footprints in India

Embraer is committed to deepening its engagement with India by not only offering cutting-edge aerospace solutions but also contributing to skill development and technological advancements in the sector. The company has maintained a longstanding relationship with India and seeks to establish enduring partnerships to position the country as a crucial hub for aerospace operations.

At Aero India 2025, Embraer showcased the C-390 Millennium's readiness for the Indian market, highlighting its versatility to meet India's diverse operational needs.

As part of its broader strategy, Embraer is keen on expanding its footprint in India's defence market. Beyond promoting its flagship C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft to the IAF, Embraer is set to launch a dedicated India subsidiary in New Delhi. The subsidiary, expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025, will enhance Embraer's ability to engage with local stakeholders and streamline operations across its commercial, executive, and defence aviation sectors.

Highlighting the company's commitment, Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior confirmed the establishment of a new office in Delhi, which will oversee commercial and executive aviation, defence, service and support, supply chain, and engineering.

"We are about to open a new office in Delhi, where we will have comprehensive operations for our commercial and executive aircraft, defence, service and support, supply chain, and engineering. This is one of the first major steps to expand Embraer's serious presence in India. It's just a matter of time, to finalise some agreements with some local companies in Delhi," said Bosco da Costa Junior. He emphasised that this office would play a crucial role in strengthening Embraer's position in India and could eventually serve as a regional hub, extending beyond just catering to the local air force.

Embraer is committed to deepening its engagement with India by not only offering cutting-edge aerospace solutions but also contributing to skill development and technological advancements in the sector.

The new India subsidiary will focus on engineering services, strategic sourcing, service and spare parts support, and business development. Bosco reiterated Embraer's long-term vision, stating, "We are keen to establish long-term partnerships in India, contributing to the development of the country's aerospace ecosystem."

Currently, India operates 48 Embraer aircraft, including eight defence aircraft, nine commercial jets, and 31 executive jets. Recognising India's ongoing defence modernisation efforts, Embraer has taken proactive steps to strengthen its presence in the country.

A significant milestone in this regard was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India's Mahindra Group in February 2024. This strategic collaboration aims to address the IAF's MTA procurement initiative, which seeks to induct up to 40 medium transport aircraft to bolster operational efficiency.

Building on this, Embraer proposed in September 2024 to establish a dedicated C-390 Millennium assembly line in India in partnership with Mahindra Group. This initiative aligns with India's 'Make in India' vision, fostering indigenous manufacturing and technological advancements in the aerospace sector.

Embraer's strategic initiatives in India underscore its commitment to becoming a key player in the country's aerospace and defence landscape. Through partnerships, local manufacturing proposals, and the establishment of a dedicated subsidiary, the company is actively contributing to India's goal of achieving self-reliance in defence production. As Embraer continues to expand its operations, its growing presence in India is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military and commercial aviation in the region.

The Indian subsidiary will enhance Embraer's ability to engage with local stakeholders and streamline operations across its commercial, executive, and defence aviation sectors.

The C-390 Millennium: A Tactical Transport Leader

At Aero India 2025, Embraer showcased the C-390 Millennium's readiness for the Indian market, highlighting its versatility to meet India's diverse operational needs. Designed for roles such as troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling, the aircraft has a payload capacity of up to 26 metric tons, enabling it to carry various military assets, including armored vehicles and helicopters.

The C-390 Millennium, already in active service, is tailored to support India's defence and humanitarian missions with its modern capabilities.

Making its second appearance at Aero India, the C-390 Millennium was prominently positioned as a leading contender for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) MTA program. The IAF is evaluating aircraft with an 18-30 tonne cargo capacity to replace its aging Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin Il-76 fleets, with a projected procurement of 40 to 80 aircraft. The C-390 competes against the Airbus A400M Atlas and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules—of which the IAF already operates 12—offering enhanced payload capacity and operational efficiency.

Emphasising Embraer's vision to establish India as a regional hub for tactical transport aircraft, Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated, "Brazil and India share bilateral defence agreements. To enhance this collaboration, we partnered with Mahindra in 2024 and are actively working to integrate the C-390 Millennium into India's ecosystem. This includes local assembly, training, maintenance, and technology transfer. We are committed to supporting India's self-reliance goals." He further emphasised the aim to strengthen India's defence industry, reduce import dependence, and support global exports. "This goes beyond meeting domestic demand—our vision is to manufacture and export C-390s from India, supporting pilot training and maintenance operations."

Mentioning that the C-390 is a win-win solution, he concluded: "For the government, we are ready to do this in India, with local industry. For industry, we are looking forward to building this here, along with tech transfer, again with local players. For the IAF, our product delivers more in a faster way, with a very low life-cycle cost. For Brazil and India, it means more collaboration."

This India office would play a crucial role in strengthening Embraer's position in India and could eventually serve as a regional hub, extending beyond just catering to the local air force.

Developed with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the C-390 Millennium is a jet-powered tactical transport aircraft built to operate in challenging environments, including semi-prepared runways. Its adaptability makes it suitable for missions such as aerial resupply, special operations, humanitarian aid, and aerial firefighting.

By October 2023, the aircraft had surpassed 10,000 flight hours with the FAB, reaching over 16,500 flight hours by January 2025. With a 93.3 per cent fleet mission capability rate and 99.5 per cent mission completion rate, the aircraft has gained global recognition. Bosco da Costa Junior stated, "The C-390 is expanding its global footprint, impressing the industry with its modern capabilities, reliability, and versatility."

Currently, ten C-390 aircraft are in active service—7 with the Brazilian Air Force, 2 with Portugal, and 1 with Hungary. The aircraft has demonstrated capabilities in various roles, including aerial assault, air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, and special operations.

With a superior payload capacity (26 tons), higher cruise speed (470 knots), and extended operational range, the KC-390 (its aerial refueling variant) supports a broad spectrum of missions. Its rugged design enables operations on unpaved surfaces, including packed earth and gravel. The aircraft has successfully performed aerial refueling both as a tanker and a receiver.

Since its induction into the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 has maintained an impressive 93 per cent mission capability rate. More countries, including the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, and an undisclosed customer, have also selected the aircraft, reflecting its growing international demand.

Currently, India operates 48 Embraer aircraft, including eight defence aircraft, nine commercial jets, and 31 executive jets.

Embraer operates over 40 aircraft across 11 models in India, spanning defence, commercial, and executive aviation. The Indian Air Force and Border Security Force (BSF) utilise Embraer's Legacy 600 for VIP and government transport, while the 'Netra' AEW&C system—built on the ERJ145 platform—enhances India's airborne surveillance capabilities. Additionally, Star Air, one of India's leading regional airlines, operates an all-Embraer fleet.

The C-390 Millennium continues to attract global interest, especially from NATO nations, with discussions underway for potential manufacturing partnerships in the US. Its ability to perform diverse missions, including medical evacuations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial firefighting, makes it a compelling choice for modern air forces.

Compared to legacy platforms like the C-130J, the C-390 offers superior speed, payload capacity, and operational efficiency. Its state-of-the-art technology, ergonomic design, and advanced defensive systems position it as a formidable asset in modern military aviation.

As India seeks to modernise its tactical airlift capabilities, the C-390 Millennium presents itself as a strong contender with its proven performance, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. Embraer's strategic partnerships, commitment to local manufacturing, and focus on technology transfer align with India's 'Make in India' and self-reliance goals. With growing international adoption and a solid track record, the C-390 Millennium has the potential to play a crucial role in the Indian Air Force's modernisation plans, offering a future-ready solution for military and humanitarian missions alike.