Aircraft
Embraer Claims Commonality Edge In India
The Indian Air Force now operates two types of Embraer aircraft, this R-99 AEW&C platform based on the ERJ-145 airliner and five Legacy private jets. [Photo: Rakesh Mangaraj.]
The Indian Air Force now operates two types of Embraer aircraft, this R-99 AEW&C platform based on the ERJ-145 airliner and five Legacy private jets. [Photo: Rakesh Mangaraj.]

Embraer believes it stands to benefit from the Indian military’s desire to maximize commonality in its fleet of aircraft in a bid to control maintenance costs. Five of the Brazilian manufacturer’s Legacy jets are in use with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Border Security Force for functions such as transporting government officials and visiting foreign dignitaries. In addition, Embraer Defense and Security has collaborated with India’s Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) to develop an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms based on the ERJ-145 regional airliner (and designated R-99). Two of these entered service in 2012 and a third is due to be delivered in 2013.