Malaysia Embraer supply chain: Defence Ministry explores aerospace deal amid RMAF C-390 talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is exploring opportunities to participate in Brazilian aerospace and defence company Embraer's regional and global supply chain as part of efforts to strengthen the local defence industry.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said this followed a courtesy visit by Embraer Defence and Security chief commercial officer Frederico Lemos at Wisma Pertahanan today.

"The meeting provided an opportunity to explore cooperation in developing the local downstream ecosystem, including opportunities for Malaysia to participate in Embraer's supply chain at the regional and global levels.

"This potential is in line with the aspirations of the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN) to strengthen the capabilities of the local defence industry," he said in a Facebook post.

Embraer is a Brazilian aerospace and defence company specialising in aircraft development and integrated defence solutions.

The New Straits Times previously reported that Embraer's C-390 was among the aircraft being considered as a potential replacement for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) ageing C-130 Hercules fleet.

RMAF chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris had said the successor should have a similar carrying capacity to the Hercules and meet Malaysia's operational requirements.

"The eventual successor to the C-130 should have a similar carrying capacity. We know that is the capacity we need most of the time. Not too big and not too small. Just the right size," Norazlan said.

The C-390 can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo and about 80 soldiers.