Mahindra and Embraer Plan C-390 Millennium MRO Facility in India

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: Mahindra Group and Brazilian aerospace major Embraer have announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, subject to its selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.

The move marks a further step in the partnership between the two companies, which began in October 2025 with a strategic agreement to produce the C-390 Millennium in India. The proposed MRO facility would provide in-country sustainment and lifecycle support for the aircraft, strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem and aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

If the C-390 is selected for the Indian Air Force’s MTA requirement, the MRO facility would support high operational readiness and long-term fleet availability. According to the companies, the facility is expected to offer base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and technical training.

The C-390 Millennium is a modern multi-mission military transport aircraft in the medium-lift category. It offers a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and is designed for higher speed and range compared to other aircraft in its class. The platform is capable of performing cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, firefighting, and air-to-air refueling missions. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The in-service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99 percent.

Beyond supporting India’s potential fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the possibility of positioning India as a regional MRO hub for other C-390 operators in the future. The aircraft has already been selected by multiple air forces worldwide, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the company is committed to delivering not only the aircraft but also a long-term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, stated that a dedicated MRO capability in India would enhance aircraft availability and strengthen operational autonomy throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle.

Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, added that expanding collaboration with Indian aerospace companies would drive higher localization and integrate Indian suppliers into Embraer’s global supply chain. The proposed facility is also expected to generate high-skill employment opportunities.

Embraer has had a presence in India for several years, with nearly 50 aircraft across commercial, defense and business aviation segments currently operating in the country. In the defense space, the ERJ145 platform serves as the base for the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is used by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force for VIP transport.

The proposed MRO development represents a significant step in deepening aerospace collaboration between India and Brazil, while reinforcing India’s ambitions to expand its domestic defense aviation capabilities.