Brazil's Embraer and Mahindra deepen ties to boost C‑390 aircraft capabilities in India

Brazilian planemaker Embraer and the Mahindra Group today announced plans to develop Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India for the C‑390 Millennium, contingent on its selection for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, the Indian firm said on Thursday.

The announcement builds on a strategic partnership formed in October 2025, under which the two companies plan to produce the C‑390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India.

Also Read: SpiceJet secures MoU for 10 aircraft, bets on more than doubling capacity


The collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force’s MTA program while strengthening domestic manufacturing under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the move is set to not only enable local servicing and maintenance of the C‑390 fleet but is also expected to create jobs, enhance technology transfer, and boost India’s aerospace ecosystem.

Both companies emphasized that the MRO capability will ensure long-term operational sustainability for the Indian Air Force.

“A state‑of‑the‑art C‑390 Millennium MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, enhanced operational autonomy and a comprehensive local sustainment solution for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group said in a statement.

Also Read: Airbus targets record aircraft deliveries in 2026

Advanced Multi-Mission Aircraft

The C‑390 Millennium is one of the most advanced military transport aircraft in its class, with a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range than other medium transports. It can carry out cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, and operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refueling. Its in-service fleet has maintained a mission completion rate above 99%. “The MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, operational autonomy, and a comprehensive local sustainment solution for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Vinod Sahay, Mahindra Group.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President of Embraer Defense & Security, added, “Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world-class aircraft, but also a robust support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational needs.”

Strengthening Local Aerospace and Global Reach

The facility will provide base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component overhaul, avionics support, and training.

Embraer is also exploring India as a regional MRO hub for other C‑390 operators. “This initiative reinforces our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ program and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Carlos Naufel, Embraer Services & Support.

Embraer has nearly 50 aircraft of 11 types operating in India across commercial, defense, and business aviation. Its platforms include the ERJ145-based Netra AEW&C aircraft and the Legacy 600, used by the Indian Air Force and Border Security Force for VIP transport.