Embraer is positioning India as a potential second manufacturing centre for its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft if the platform is chosen by the Indian Air Force under the Medium Transport Aircraft competition.Industry reporting suggests that the proposed Indian production line could eventually achieve a mature output of 10 or more aircraft each year. The target would allow the facility to support India’s requirements while potentially producing aircraft for overseas customers.The concept builds on the partnership between Embraer and Mahindra Group. Their strategic cooperation agreement provides a framework for industrialization and the development of India as a major location for C-390 manufacturing and support.A domestic production ecosystem could involve far more than final assembly. Indian companies could participate in manufacturing components, supplying systems, integrating aircraft structures, and supporting maintenance and overhaul activities.This approach could give the programme a longer industrial life. Once the Indian Air Force’s initial requirement has been fulfilled, manufacturing capacity could potentially be directed toward export customers.The international market could provide considerable opportunity. A number of countries operate older transport aircraft, including legacy C-130 and An-26 variants, which may require replacement during the coming decade.The C-390 is designed as a modern jet-powered tactical transport capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes. Its mission portfolio includes logistics transport, troop movement, airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refuelling.The aircraft has continued to attract international customers, with Uzbekistan becoming the latest addition to its operator base in Central Asia. Additional export campaigns could benefit from an Indian manufacturing location because of its geographic position.For India, the industrial implications could be particularly significant. A sustained production programme could create demand for domestic aerospace suppliers and develop expertise in advanced structures, systems integration, maintenance, and aircraft support.However, the reported production figure is not a guaranteed schedule. The final production rate would depend on the outcome of the MTA competition, the size of India’s order, localization progress, component availability, and the number of export customers.The proposal nevertheless gives the C-390 campaign a broader dimension. Embraer is effectively offering India the possibility of becoming an international production and support centre rather than simply an end-user of the aircraft.If realized, the arrangement could establish a long-term aerospace manufacturing base in India while supporting future C-390 sales to customers across multiple regions.
