Embraer and Mahindra collaborate for the inclusion of C-390 Millennium airlifter in IAF’s fleet

Mahindra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Embraer Defense & Security on Friday, February 9, for the acquisition of C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This deal has been inked as part of the IAF’s upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement project.

Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Defence Systems, Mahindra’s wholly owned subsidiary, will engage with the Indian Air Force to identify the next steps of the MTA programme, as well as contact the local aerospace industry in India to start developing the manufacturing plan for the project.

The MoU was signed at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi. The two companies will look to bring the latest technology in terms of aerospace and military transport aircraft to India.

The C-390 can carry more payload in comparison to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies at a speed of 870 km/h (470 knots). The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel.

The aircraft is also configured with air-to-air refueling equipment and has aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and a receiver.