- KC-390 in the Sky, India on the Horizon : Embraer’s Strategic Pitch at Paris Airshow
- Embraer’s Defence Chief on how the KC-390 Is Redefining Military Airlift
By Sangeeta Saxena
Onboard the Embraer KC-390 Millennium, Paris Airshow 2025. 15 June 2025. As the KC-390 Millennium soared smoothly above Le Bourget a day before Paris Airshow, I sat down with Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, for an exclusive in-flight conversation. From global ambitions to the aircraft’s growing relevance for India, he offered candid insights into what makes the KC-390 a formidable contender in military transport aviation.
ADU. So Bosco, the flight we’re taking at the moment—what’s the objective behind inviting media onboard? Is this a regular feature at airshows like this?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. The Paris Airshow is one of the biggest platforms globally, and over the past five years, events like this have become incredibly important for the defence business. We’re using this opportunity to showcase our capabilities directly to media, international delegations, and potential partners. This year, we expect over 50 countries to visit our booth and chalet. Journalists like you are eager to see the KC-390 Millennium in action, understand its technical advantages, and experience firsthand what it brings to global tactical transport. That’s the reason for today’s flight.
ADU. How is the KC-390 different from rivals like the C-130J, A400M, or C-295? What’s your unique advantage in this market?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. The KC-390 is the only tactical military transport aircraft fully developed in the 21st century. That’s important—it incorporates the latest technologies in digital avionics, structural design, and systems integration. It’s a truly multi-mission platform. You can conduct air-to-air refuelling in the morning, transport cargo in the afternoon, and shift to firefighting or medevac missions the same day. It’s that kind of versatility—without switching platforms—that makes it unique.
ADU. And you’re saying it can be reconfigured quickly?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. Absolutely. One of the KC-390’s greatest strengths is its rapid reconfiguration. With roll-on/roll-off mission modules, the aircraft can switch from a tanker setup to cargo or medevac in just a few hours. We’re also about to unveil a new mission capability at this airshow—part of our commitment to expanding the aircraft’s flexibility while staying true to its multi-mission DNA.
ADU. Let’s talk about India. You’ve offered the KC-390 to the Indian Air Force. What’s the current status there?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. I’ve already been to India three times this year. We have strong ties there and Embraer aircraft are already operating with the Indian Air Force and government agencies, with excellent service feedback. We are actively participating in the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) acquisition programme. At Aero India, we showcased the KC-390 and flew with several senior stakeholders. I believe we’re very well aligned with India’s operational and strategic needs.
ADU. You’ve tied up with Mahindra in India. How is that partnership shaping up?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. Mahindra is our official Indian partner and we’ve already established a legal presence in the country. We are now evaluating the best business structure—whether that’s a joint venture or another framework. What matters is that we are fully committed, and we see this as a long-term relationship. Mahindra brings local expertise, and together we can ensure the KC-390 programme contributes meaningfully to Make in India, job creation, and tech transfer.
ADU. So you believe the KC-390 is the right choice for India?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. Without a doubt. The KC-390 offers the right blend of performance, flexibility, and affordability. But it’s not just about the aircraft—it’s the whole industrial and strategic solution we’re offering. This programme can generate employment, transfer technology, and strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem. It’s a win-win for both nations. And the Brazilian government is fully backing this partnership.
ADU. Thank you so much, Bosco. And I hear we’re about to land—with a short landing demonstration?
Bosco Da Costa Junior. Yes! Just a quick reminder of what the KC-390 can do. It’s designed for short and semi-prepared runways, so this is just another day in the field for the aircraft. Get ready! We will land at Le Bourget and the crew will use the opportunity to simulate a short-field landing. As the aircraft touches down hold tight to the seat. We are ready to demonstrate KC 390’s ability to stop within a remarkably short distance.
The KC-390 touches down gracefully at Le Bourget, concluding a precision short-field landing—an exclamation point to a powerful demonstration of versatility and performance. In a candid conversation amidst the clouds, he revealed Embraer’s growing defence strengths and vision for Indian partnership. Bosco Da Costa Junior made the case for the KC-390 as more than just another transport aircraft. With its jet-speed performance, digital design, and multi-mission adaptability, the KC-390 is setting a new standard in tactical airlift, he felt. With active bids in India, a solid industrial tie-up with Mahindra, and full support from the Brazilian government, Embraer is not just flying high—it’s aiming for a new level of global integration.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
