Embraer Targets $12 Billion Indian Air Force Aircraft Deal with KC-390 Pitch : Indian Aviation NewsAviation India

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Embraer Targets $12 Billion Indian Air Force Aircraft Deal with KC-390 Pitch

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer is aggressively marketing its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as India prepares to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for up to 80 medium transport aircraft, a procurement programme estimated to be worth as much as $12 billion, The Economic Times reported.

The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation multi-mission transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, is competing against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M for the Indian requirement.

Embraer is competing for an Indian Air Force requirement for up to 80 medium military transport aircraft, with the tender expected to be issued in the coming months.

The Brazilian aircraft is up against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus A400M, offering a 26-tonne payload and higher speed than comparable turboprop aircraft.

Embraer has pledged significant indigenous content and plans to leverage its partnership with Adani Defence & Aerospace to build a manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer is aggressively marketing its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as India prepares to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for up to 80 medium transport aircraft, a procurement programme estimated to be worth as much as $12 billion, The Economic Times reported.

The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation multi-mission transport and aerial refuelling aircraft, is competing against the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M for the Indian requirement.

According to the report citing Embraer, the KC-390 offers a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, exceeding the C-130J's 20-tonne capability, while retaining the ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips.

Powered by turbofan jet engines, the aircraft is also said to be 25-30% faster than comparable turboprop platforms, while delivering lower operating costs.

The aircraft can be configured for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, cargo operations, VIP movement, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and aerial refuelling.

Embraer Chief Executive Officer Francisco Gomes Neto told ET that the company is optimistic about its prospects in India and believes the KC-390 aligns closely with the IAF's operational requirements.

12/06/2026 Outlook Business

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