In a significant development for India’s defence aviation sector, Embraer and the Mahindra Group have announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the C-390 Millennium aircraft. The proposed facility will be set up if the aircraft is selected under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, positioning the partnership as a strong contender in India’s next-generation transport aircraft requirement.
The announcement builds on the strategic partnership signed between the two companies in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium in India. The collaboration aims to support local manufacturing and strengthen India’s defence industrial base under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. By combining Embraer’s global aerospace expertise with Mahindra’s industrial capabilities, the partnership seeks to deliver a comprehensive solution that includes production, sustainment and long-term operational support.
The C-390 Millennium is widely regarded as one of the most modern military transport aircraft in its category. It offers a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and delivers higher speed and extended operational range compared to many other medium-sized military transport platforms. Designed as a multi-mission aircraft, it can carry out cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, firefighting assignments and humanitarian relief efforts. Its capability to operate from temporary or unpaved runways enhances its suitability for diverse operational environments, including remote and challenging terrains.
The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, functioning both as a tanker and as a receiver. According to company data, the in-service fleet has achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99%, highlighting its operational reliability and productivity.
The proposed MRO facility in India is expected to deliver a full spectrum of maintenance and sustainment services. These include base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training. Establishing in-country MRO capability would enhance fleet readiness and availability for the Indian Air Force while reducing reliance on overseas support infrastructure. Faster turnaround times and local expertise development would further contribute to long-term operational efficiency.
While the primary objective of the MRO facility is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also assessing the potential to position India as a regional MRO hub for other C-390 operators. Such a move could integrate India more deeply into the global aerospace maintenance network and generate additional economic and industrial benefits.
The C-390 Millennium has already been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. Its growing international footprint reflects increasing global confidence in the aircraft’s performance and versatility.
Embraer has maintained a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently operating in commercial, defence and business aviation roles. In the defence segment, the ERJ145 platform forms the basis of the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. The Legacy 600 aircraft is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.