Embraer and the Mahindra Group have announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium, subject to its selection under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The initiative builds on a strategic partnership signed in October 2025 to manufacture the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft in India. Together, the companies aim to support the MTA program while advancing local production and reinforcing the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ vision.
The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation military transport aircraft in the medium-lift category, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tons along with superior speed and range compared to peers in its class. Designed for operational versatility, it supports missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, 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 refueling as either a tanker or receiver. With an in-service mission completion rate exceeding 99 percent, the C-390 has demonstrated exceptional reliability and operational performance.
The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.
“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“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, Mahindra Group.
The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training.
“Embraer and Mahindra, intends to expand collaboration with Indian Aerospace companies to drive higher localisation of C-390 Millenium and also to support MRO activities, reinforcing our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, said Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support of Embraer. “In addition to fleet support, this new facility could create high‑skill employment and further contribute to the integration of Indian companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.”
While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently in operation in the country in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles. In the defense segment, the ERJ145 platform serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.‑standing presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently in operation in the country in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles. In the defense segment, the ERJ145 platform serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.
