Embraer and Mahindra Group have announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the C-390 Millennium, subject to its selection under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. The proposal builds on the strategic partnership signed in October 2025 to manufacture the C-390 in India. The collaboration aims to support the MTA requirement while expanding domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities in line with national self-reliance goals.
The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation military transport aircraft in the medium-lift category, offering a payload of up to 26 tonnes along with higher cruise speed and extended range. It is designed for multi-role operations including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian assistance.
The aircraft can operate from semi-prepared or unpaved runways and can be configured for air-to-air refuelling missions, both as a tanker and as a receiver. Its operational fleet has reported mission availability exceeding 99 percent.
The proposed MRO centre would deliver comprehensive in-country maintenance and lifecycle support for the C-390 fleet. Services are expected to include heavy and base maintenance, structural inspections, systems testing, component overhaul, avionics support and technical training.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, stated that the company aims to pair the aircraft offering with a long-term support structure aligned with India’s operational and industrial needs. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, noted that a domestic MRO capability would strengthen aircraft availability while enhancing operational independence for the Indian Air Force.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support, added that the companies plan to deepen collaboration with Indian aerospace firms to increase localisation levels and integrate local suppliers into Embraer’s global network. Beyond fleet sustainment, the facility could generate specialised employment and technical expertise within India’s aviation sector.
While the primary objective is to support Indian Air Force operations, Embraer is also assessing the feasibility of positioning India as a regional hub to service other C-390 operators in the future. The aircraft has been selected by multiple air forces worldwide, including those of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer has maintained a longstanding presence in India, with close to 50 aircraft across commercial, defence and business aviation segments currently operating in the country. In the defence domain, the ERJ145 platform forms the basis of the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C system, while the Legacy 600 aircraft serves both the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force for VIP and official transport.
Founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered over 9,000 aircraft globally and operates across commercial, executive and defence aviation sectors. Established in 1945, the Mahindra Group operates in more than 100 countries with interests spanning farm equipment, mobility, information technology, financial services, renewable energy and real estate.
