SAO PAULO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The defense and security

division of Brazilian planemaker Embraer ( ERJ ) said on

Friday it had signed a strategic cooperation agreement with

India's Mahindra Group, including joint initiatives for the

development and production of the C-390 Millennium aircraft in

India.

The agreement supports the promotion of the C-390 Millennium

aircraft for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft

program and builds on a 2024 memorandum of understanding.

Its scope has now been expanded to include joint marketing

efforts, industrialization, and the development of India as a

regional hub for the aircraft, Embraer ( ERJ ) said in a statement.

Embraer ( ERJ ) added that it will work with Mahindra Group to identify

opportunities for manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply

chain and maintenance, repair and operation activities in India.

"The long-term ambition is to position India as a manufacturing

and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, serving both

domestic and regional requirements," it said.

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Embraer's ( ERJ )

national office in New Delhi, which brought together executives

from both companies as well as Brazilian and Indian government

officials.

Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who attended the

opening, said the new office lays the groundwork for future

Brazilian projects in India, according to a government

statement.