Embraer remains committed to obtaining new military sales in India. In an interview with the Indian outlet Mint, Caetano Neto, head of the Embraer Defense and Security division for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, revealed that the company hopes to sell the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the country’s armed forces.
According to the executive, the A-29 Super Tucano is an appropriate platform to equip the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and border security forces in India, reported the publication. Neto also highlighted the possibility of Embraer setting up an assembly line in the country in partnership with Indian companies to supply the local market and also for exports.
“Besides boosting the country’s local manufacturing, Embraer can also help India to become a critical supplier in the global supply chain through its substantial offerings in aerospace units,” said the head of Embraer’s military products division. “We see India not as a customer but as a promising business partner.”
Netra operator
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is already a longtime Embraer customer. The IAF is one of the users of the AWACS platform based on the ERJ 145 regional jet, which is operated by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) under the designation E-99 – in India, the plane is known by the name “Netra”.
Another product from the Brazilian manufacturer in service in the country are the Legacy 600 business jets, used to transport Indian authorities.
Although the negotiation has yet to be confirmed, Embraer is in contact with the IAF in an attempt to sell the C-390 Millennium multi-mission jet to the country. In addition to the FAB, other customers who confirmed orders for the aircraft were the air forces of Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands.
Embraer’s interest in India also extends to civil aviation. In November last year, the Indian press pointed out that the Brazilian manufacturer was looking for partners in the country to produce the TPNG, a state-of-the-art turboprop that could be Embraer Commercial Aviation’s next product.
