A landmark strategic partnership has been announced between India and Brazil in the field of aerospace and defence manufacturing. Brazil’s leading aircraft manufacturer Embraer has signed a major deal with Mahindra Defence Systems, a key Indian defence firm, to produce the C-390 Millennium medium transport aircraft in India. This collaboration is set to boost India’s defence capabilities and strengthen its position as a regional aerospace hub in the Indo-Pacific.
This announcement comes shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Brazil, during which multiple MoUs were signed between the two nations across sectors. However, the Embraer-Mahindra collaboration had been under discussion for a while, and the formal announcement marks a significant milestone.
What is the C-390 Millennium?
The C-390 Millennium is a modern, twin-engine, jet-powered medium transport aircraft developed by Embraer. It has been in service with the Brazilian Air Force since 2019 and was also inducted into the Portuguese Air Force in 2023. The aircraft is known for its versatility, reliability, high speed, long range, and low operating costs.
Key specifications and features of the C-390 Millennium include:
Payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, which exceeds the capacity of Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules (around 20.2 tonnes).
Can carry two M113 armored vehicles, one Boxer vehicle, one Sikorsky H60 helicopter, or up to 80 fully equipped troops or 66 paratroopers.
Speed of approximately 870 km/h, with a top speed of 0.8 Mach.
Range with maximum payload of around 1,852 km.
Equipped with two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines for high thrust and fuel efficiency.
Can operate on semi-prepared runways, including dirt and gravel airstrips.
Can be used for multiple roles such as cargo and troop transport, air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting, search and rescue, and humanitarian missions.
Over 11,000 flight hours, 80% operational availability, and 99% mission completion rate.
Equipped with ICU modules to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
The estimated unit cost of $140–160 million, which is cost-effective compared to the C-130J’s $167 million.
Strategic Relevance for India
This project is a part of India’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. The production of C-390s in India will not only fulfill the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement but also position India as a manufacturing hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
The aircraft’s multi-role capabilities make it ideal for India’s vast and challenging terrain, enabling quick deployment during conflicts, emergencies, and natural disasters. Its superior payload capacity and performance give India an operational edge over other nations relying on older aircraft platforms.
Past Collaboration and Future Potential
The India-Brazil defence collaboration is not new. India earlier developed the Netra AEW&C aircraft on Embraer’s ERJ-145 platform, which is now actively used by the Indian Air Force for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
In May 2025, Embraer also established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Aerospace City, New Delhi, to expand cooperation with India in defence, commercial aviation, and urban air mobility sectors. The company plans to support the Make in India mission by boosting local industrial partnerships and skill development.
In addition to the C-390 deal, both countries have expressed interest in cooperating on Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and other radar and surveillance systems. Brazil is also reportedly keen on exploring India’s indigenous defence technologies, such as the Akash missile system and Garuda artillery systems.
India’s Defence Export Push
This deal aligns with India's larger goal of becoming a net exporter of defence equipment. India currently exports defence hardware to over 80 countries and has seen a 170% increase in arms imports over the past decade due to rising regional security demands. By manufacturing C-390s locally, India can reduce dependence on traditional Western suppliers and establish its own aerospace export ecosystem.
The Mahindra-Embraer partnership to produce the C-390 Millennium marks a new era in India-Brazil strategic cooperation, particularly in the aerospace sector. This collaboration is not just about meeting India’s military needs; it’s a bold step towards building a global defence manufacturing capability on Indian soil. With growing geopolitical tensions and a fast-changing global order, such partnerships are essential to ensure India remains militarily prepared, technologically advanced, and strategically autonomous.
