Embraer has presented a forward-looking proposal to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which aims to procure 60 new aircraft. The company has offered an armed variant of the C-390M Millennium, equipped with underwing hardpoints for air-to-surface weapon systems. This modification would enable the C-390M to serve as a multi-role platform, capable of fulfilling both transport and combat missions, including anti-ship and anti-ground operations.
The aircraft could be outfitted with multiple hardpoints per wing, allowing it to carry advanced standoff weapons such as the Rudram-II, an 800 kg air-to-surface missile developed for the IAF. It may also support the NASM-MR or Medium-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM), extending its utility to naval strike missions.
Furthermore, Embraer has outlined a vision to evolve the C-390M into a mothership for air-launched drones, aligning with emerging trends in autonomous and swarm warfare. This addition would significantly enhance the IAF’s future operational capabilities.
