Embraer's C-390M Emerges as Frontrunner in IAF's MTA Program due to Adaptability and Co-Development Potential

Initial assessments suggest that Embraer's C-390 Millennium transport aircraft is gaining traction as the most likely choice for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.

Sources within the IAF point to the C-390M's design as a critical advantage, offering superior potential for future adaptations compared to rival platforms.

The flexibility of the C-390M's design to evolve into diverse roles such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) or Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) is seen as a significant advantage.

Embraer has already proposed co-developing new variants of the C-390M specifically for the IAF, including a weaponized maritime patrol version, a mini-tanker for aerial refuelling, and an ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) platform,

While the IAF is still evaluating responses to its Request for Information from other manufacturers like Airbus and Lockheed Martin, the C-390M appears to be leading the race due to its inherent multi-role flexibility, the opportunity for co-development and technology transfer, and its reported cost-effectiveness.

The final decision, however, is contingent upon a comprehensive evaluation of all proposals, taking into account capabilities, upgrade potential, and life-cycle costs. The selection of the MTA will have far-reaching implications for the IAF's future airlift and strategic mobility, necessitating a versatile, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft that can cater to the ever-evolving needs of India's defense forces.

 

[R. Singh]

Test C-390 at DBO airstrip first !

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

yeah man, go for it. After c-390 is chosen, we can go for barter deal where brazil buys our pinaka and akash missile systems, or prachand helicopters.

 

[sanket]

Embraer is Front Runner HAL should buy stake in that company

 

[desigandu]

Good, but let us move quickly (IAF and MOD must ensure a good cost-capability assessment with strategic considerations, our national security in mind) but comprehensively to ensure TOT, local assembly, MRO, offsets, potential enhancements and exports, modifications, while ensuring embraer does not get away by promising the moon and then reneging like we typically see in these contracts…We should ensure a G2G with enforceable guarantees and heavy enforceable penalties for breach, delays…

For gods sake let us also ensure that HAL is nowhere close to the MTA program - only private sector players please…

 

[Frank]

Good but also remember Embrarer is just assembling the jet... Any country can block the deal and supply if they refuse to give parts..

Also why can't Tata or ambani or Adani build the same??? How long only screw drive and make profit??

If banana republic Brazil can build Embrarer then why can't our private companies build the same???

 

[NSR]

Wonderful to know that India and IAF long search will be over soon for a MTA aircraft with many different versions and possible TOTs too.
The agreement must be very carefully examined so that Embraer can't back out later like Dassault and South Korea.

Accelerate the negotiation and conclude a deal soon but ask Brazil and Embraer and their armed forces to buy some of our products in a barter like deal.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Have a barter deal with brazil. Get complete tech transfer for this MTA.

 

[Naveen Bijoy]

What engine is used.

 

[Swapy]

IAF is leaning towards airbus A400. But due to high cost they are still evaluating other aircrafts. If Embraer C390 get selected then asked them to choose Tejas.
From Aakash, Pinaka sell we don't earn much which we can earn by selling Tejas, their component and missiles.
Issue with Embraer C390 is it can't fly higher altitude compare to A400. Payroll capacity is also less. Lets see what IAF decides.

 

[KVS]

What engine is used.

This is an important make/break factor!

 

[AK S]

Good but also remember Embrarer is just assembling the jet... Any country can block the deal and supply if they refuse to give parts..

Also why can't Tata or ambani or Adani build the same??? How long only screw drive and make profit??

If banana republic Brazil can build Embrarer then why can't our private companies build the same???

Brazil is not a banana republic.

US can potentially block the supplies of spares for any damn plane … maybe except of Russian origin. Even our Russian origin planes are heavily modified and use western systems. Does it mean we must not buy anything? Or does it mean we develop 100% of everything and bloat the cost or worst fail miserably.

 

[Provocateur Extraordinaire]

yeah man, go for it. After c-390 is chosen, we can go for barter deal where brazil buys our pinaka and akash missile systems, or prachand helicopters.

I'm surprised Tejas wasn't mentioned. The only way Tejas can get off the ground overseas is if Brazil start an assembly line like we do for c390. That way HAL will pretty much have little scope to play spoilsport to screw up the deal. Since the Brazilians are desperate to sell c390 and us, the Tejas, it's a match made in heaven.

 

[shekhar]

C390 and A400M both are good, A400M is costly, but C390 can replace C130J worldwide due to its cost, versatility, speed and payload advantage over C130J. So going with C390 can offer India Embraer big market that can be addressed through Made in India.

 

[Manoj Kumar]

If KC390 is choosen,next should b codevelopment of C17 type strategic Airlifter to counter China's Y20

 

[Jay K Sinhal]

Big no, Hercules is a proven aircraft.