Embraer Proposes Indian C-390M Assembly Line for Regional Exports, but Only if IAF Commits to a Large 40-80 Aircraft Order

Brazilian aerospace leader Embraer has presented a major proposal to establish a final assembly line for its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft in India.

However, this ambitious plan, which aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, is conditional on a significant commitment from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to purchase between 40 and 80 aircraft.

This strategic offer comes as the IAF seeks a modern replacement for its ageing fleet of Antonov An-32 planes under its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.

A large order would not only modernise India's airlift capabilities but also transform the nation into a regional manufacturing and export hub for the advanced transport aircraft.

Raul Villaron, Head of Asia-Pacific for Embraer Commercial Aviation, confirmed that the viability of setting up a production facility in India hinges on the order size.

"The expectation is to have a deal for 40 to 80 aircraft, which is a lot for that size of aircraft," he stated, emphasising that such a volume would justify the investment and allow India to supply other nations in the region like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

To facilitate this project, Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra Defence Systems in February 2024. This partnership aims to build a local supply chain for crucial components and systems, promoting self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector.

The proposal follows the successful model of the Tata-Airbus partnership, which is producing C-295 aircraft in Vadodara.

The Embraer C-390 Millennium​

The C-390 is a next-generation, twin-engine jet-powered aircraft designed for a wide range of missions. Its key features include:

• Payload Capacity: 26 tonnes, capable of carrying armoured personnel carriers, helicopters, or up to 80 fully-equipped soldiers.
• Speed and Range: A high cruising speed of 870 km/h (Mach 0.8) and a range of 2,820 km with a 23-tonne payload.
• Versatility: The aircraft can be configured for medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial refuelling, and airdropping cargo and paratroopers.

Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 has achieved over 11,500 flight hours with an impressive operational availability of 80% and a mission completion rate of 99%.

It has proven its reliability in critical operations, including delivering aid after the 2020 Beirut port explosion and transporting medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

A Competitive Field​

Embraer faces stiff competition for the IAF contract. Other contenders include Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M Atlas.

The C-130J is a well-regarded turboprop aircraft, and the IAF already operates a fleet of 12. Lockheed Martin has also proposed establishing a local production line with an Indian partner.

The Airbus A400M offers a larger payload capacity of 37 tonnes but is considered a more expensive option that may exceed the IAF's budget.

According to some IAF sources, the C-390 is a strong frontrunner due to its versatility and lower life-cycle costs. India already has positive technical experience with Embraer platforms, using its ERJ-145 jets for the Netra airborne early warning system and Legacy 600 aircraft for VIP transport.

The IAF's decision on the MTA tender is anticipated by 2026-2027. If the order is placed with Embraer, India would become the largest operator of the C-390 aircraft in the world, bolstering both its military and industrial capabilities.

 

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[Mc Addy]

Lap it up, put 6 netra radars on top and get to work.

 

[sanket]

Nice offer. Apart from the final assembly line, there should be an ecosystem around it with sourcing components from local vendors rather than importing from their country.

 

[Dolund Trmup]

Do Embraer have any C17 esque aircraft?

 

[MF]

Do Embraer have any C17 esque aircraft?

No. For military transport and aerial refueling, the C-390 Millennium is the only model developed.

 

[M.H.]

I see much more potential in the Embraer model in the IAF than the other candidates. The Brazilian manufacturer, in partnership with the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Forces, is studying the use of the C-390 in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as seeing potential in its conversion to the Maritime Patrol (MPA) role.

 

[Dredd]

I see much more potential in the Embraer model in the IAF than the other candidates. The Brazilian manufacturer, in partnership with the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Forces, is studying the use of the C-390 in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as seeing potential in its conversion to the Maritime Patrol (MPA) role.

Firstly, the decision should be taken on priority. MoD waited for 5 years after C295 selection before confirming order with TASL. Whichever transport plane is chosen among Hercules, Millennium, Atlas, or C-2, we should ensure it's produced by a private player.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I see much more potential in the Embraer model in the IAF than the other candidates. The Brazilian manufacturer, in partnership with the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Forces, is studying the use of the C-390 in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as seeing potential in its conversion to the Maritime Patrol (MPA) role.

Another advantage with Embraer is that Brazil has promised to buy Indian weapons in return. Neither Europe nor USA would buy Indian weapons.

 

[Praveen]

IAF can buy more than 80 aircraft of this model 40 for transport. 20 for aerial refueling, 20 for aew&cs instead of retrofitting airbus a321 we could use a military transport right from the start.

 

[The Presence]

IAF can also consider making the 360° Netra Mk-3 based on this platform.

 

[VF VF1]

India should take this offer and bring the assembly line here. No need to reinvent everything. Focus on engine, engine, engine... small, big, medium, and other aircraft.

 

[D Cruza]

IAF will select A400M and TATA will assemple it in India just like with C295, the scale of technological transfer & local assembly is impossible with American and Brazilian platform unlike the Airbus which will transfer the entire airframe components except engine, avionics and landing gear (which is manufatured by third party vendors other than Airbus) which we will have to import due to restrictions in economy of scale if assempled in India.

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

C-390 is very capable aircraft and Embraer is ready for FAL which is great. Also Brazil is ready to buy Tejas in vice versa deal which will be another boost for us.
What more you want in a deal?
Transform some of these planes into different operational ways like ISR, Fuel Refueller etc.

 

[M.H.]

IAF will select A400M and TATA will assemple it in India just like with C295, the scale of technological transfer & local assembly is impossible with American and Brazilian platform unlike the Airbus which will transfer the entire airframe components except engine, avionics and landing gear (which is manufatured by third party vendors other than Airbus) which we will have to import due to restrictions in economy of scale if assempled in India.

None of the competitors will offer a large-scale technology transfer to India, especially since these aircraft are not produced 100% locally, since, as you said, some of their components come from global suppliers, subject to authorizations from third countries. Furthermore, Airbus has already said that the production line in Spain can meet current orders until 2028 or 2029. After that, the manufacturer will need new orders to keep it open. Therefore, the complete transfer of all fuselage components to India would make the continuity of the European plant unfeasible. So, it is most likely that Airbus will integrate some local companies to supply parts for the models assembled in Spain and India.

 

[M.H.]

Firstly, the decision should be taken on priority. MoD waited for 5 years after C295 selection before confirming order with TASL. Whichever transport plane is chosen among Hercules, Millennium, Atlas, or C-2, we should ensure it's produced by a private player.

All of these are private manufacturers that have had or will have to ally with local companies, such as Tata and Mahindra, to participate in the program and eventually produce locally if their models are chosen.

 

[MF]

C-390 is very capable aircraft and Embraer is ready for FAL which is great. Also Brazil is ready to buy Tejas in vice versa deal which will be another boost for us.
What more you want in a deal?
Transform some of these planes into different operational ways like ISR, Fuel Refueller etc.

I believe that India's purchase of the C-390 is not being conditioned on Brazil's purchase of the Tejas, at least in the short and medium term. The Brazilian government is imposing budgetary constraints that are also affecting current defense programs.
The Brazilian armed forces are most likely to show interest and perhaps acquire other Indian military equipment. It is important to emphasize that given Brazil's geopolitical reality, a possible purchase of Indian equipment will never be equal in financial terms to a possible purchase of the C-390 by India.

 

[MF]

Another advantage with Embraer is that Brazil has promised to buy Indian weapons in return. Neither Europe nor USA would buy Indian weapons.

Brazil has never promised to buy Indian weapons in exchange for the sale of C-390s, especially since this is a private agreement (Embraer - India) and not between governments. What the Brazilians have shown is only an interest in certain types of Indian equipment that could complement the needs of their armed forces.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Brazil has never promised to buy Indian weapons in exchange for the sale of C-390s, especially since this is a private agreement (Embraer - India) and not between governments. What the Brazilians have shown is only an interest in certain types of Indian equipment that could complement the needs of their armed forces.

Brazil had offered a barter deal. And this is not private agreement. Large scale military deals are government to government. Such large military deals, especially involving local assembly cant just be called private deal.