Mahindra Group and Embraer are advancing preparations for the proposed industrial and support ecosystem for the C-390 Millennium in India as the companies jointly pursue the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.As part of the ongoing preparations, the companies have identified Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the potential location for a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for C-390 Millennium aircraft in India. The facility would support local aircraft assembly and industrialisation if the C-390 Millennium is selected by the Government of India and an order is placed under the IAF’s MTA programme.
Mahindra and Embraer are working with the Government of Maharashtra to complete the required processes and progress the industrial infrastructure associated with the proposed facility. The objective is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure can be developed in time if the partnership is selected for the programme.
Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said, “Mahindra is committed to building a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India and to creating meaningful manufacturing and technology capabilities that contribute to the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions. As we work with Embraer on the C-390 Millennium, we are preparing the industrial ecosystem required to support the programme at scale. Nagpur offers a compelling opportunity for such a capability, and we are very grateful to the Government of Maharashtra on expeditiously allotting the land in Nagpur and helping with the related requirements. These preparations are, of course, subject to the selection of the C-390 Millennium by the Government of India and the placement of the IAF order.”
Bosco da Costa Jr, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, said, “Embraer is pleased to deepen its partnership with Mahindra as we advance our preparations to bring the C-390 Millennium’s industrial capabilities to India. Identifying Nagpur as a potential location for an assembly facility is an important step in building a robust, long-term aerospace ecosystem in the country. We value the support of the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, subject to the C-390 Millennium being selected for the Indian Air Force programme.”
The proposed facility would support aircraft assembly, systems integration, manufacturing engineering and local supply chain development. Subject to the programme award, the partnership also plans to progressively integrate Indian aerospace companies into the C-390 ecosystem, covering manufacturing, aftermarket services, training and lifecycle support.
Mahindra and Embraer signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025, building on their MoU from February 2024. The agreement covers industrialisation, local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain development and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in India. In February 2026, the companies also announced plans to develop C-390 MRO capabilities in India, subject to aircraft selection.
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes and performing troop and cargo transport, airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is a multinational federation of companies with more than 327,000 employees across over 100 countries. The Group has leading businesses in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India, and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume.
Mahindra also has businesses spanning renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate. The Group focuses on sustainability, rural development and urban living, with initiatives aimed at creating long-term value for communities and stakeholders.
Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, with operations across Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, while also providing services, maintenance and customer support.
Founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft worldwide. Its aircraft operate across global markets, carrying more than 145 million passengers annually. The company is a leading manufacturer of commercial aircraft with up to 150 seats and is one of Brazil’s major exporters of high-value-added products.
Embraer has a global industrial and service network, with manufacturing facilities, offices, service centres and parts distribution operations across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Its worldwide presence supports customers throughout the lifecycle of its aircraft and systems.
