Embraer has proposed an innovative solution to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender, which seeks 60 new transport aircraft. The company introduced an armed variant of the C-390M Millennium, equipped with underwing hardpoints for air-to-surface weapons. This configuration would transform the C-390M into a true multi-role platform capable of both transport and combat missions, including anti-surface and maritime strike roles.
The aircraft could be fitted with multiple hardpoints on each wing to carry advanced stand-off weapons such as the Rudram-II, an 800 kg air-to-surface missile developed for the IAF. It may also support NASM-MR or other Medium-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (MRAShM), enabling anti-ship capabilities for joint operations with the Indian Navy.
Furthermore, Embraer envisions evolving the C-390M into a mothership for deploying air-launched drones, aligning with emerging trends in modern aerial warfare. This would allow the IAF to conduct swarm or autonomous UAV missions, significantly enhancing its future operational capabilities.
