Embraer and Mahindra Group Plan C-390 Millennium MRO Facility in India for Air Force Program
Embraer and Mahindra Group announced plans to establish C-390 Millennium MRO capability in India to support the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft program. The initiative builds on their October 2025 strategic partnership for local aircraft production. The proposed facility will provide comprehensive maintenance services including base and heavy maintenance, component repair, and training. The C-390 Millennium offers up to 26 tons payload capacity with above 99 percent mission completion rate, supporting the Make in India initiative while creating high-skill employment opportunities.

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Embraer and mahindra & mahindra Group have announced plans to establish Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, marking a significant advancement in their localization strategy for the Indian defense sector.
Strategic Partnership for Defense Manufacturing
The announcement builds on the strategic partnership between Embraer and Mahindra Group established in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration specifically targets the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with the proposed MRO facility contingent upon the aircraft's selection for the program.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership Date: | October 2025 |
| Target Program: | Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) |
| Primary Objective: | Local manufacturing and MRO capability |
| Initiative Support: | Make in India |
C-390 Millennium Aircraft Capabilities
The C-390 Millennium represents the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering superior operational capabilities for diverse mission requirements. The aircraft demonstrates exceptional reliability with its in-service fleet achieving a mission completion rate above 99 percent.
| Specification: | Details |
|---|---|
| Payload Capacity: | Up to 26 tons |
| Mission Completion Rate: | Above 99 percent |
| Runway Capability: | Temporary or unpaved runways |
| Configuration Options: | Air-to-air refuelling (tanker and receiver) |
The aircraft supports multiple mission types including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions.
Comprehensive MRO Services
The proposed MRO facility will deliver a full spectrum of maintenance and support services designed to ensure high aircraft availability and operational autonomy for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft's lifecycle.
Key MRO services will include:
- Base and heavy maintenance
- Structural inspections and testing
- Component repair and overhaul
- Avionics support
- Training programs
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated: "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."
Industry Impact and Employment Generation
The initiative extends beyond fleet support to encompass broader industrial collaboration with Indian aerospace companies. Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, emphasized the commitment to expanding collaboration with Indian aerospace companies to drive higher localization of the C-390 Millennium and support MRO activities.
The facility is expected to create high-skill employment opportunities while contributing to the integration of Indian companies into Embraer's global supply chain, reinforcing the Government of India's 'Make in India' initiative and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision.
Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, noted: "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."
Global Presence and Regional Hub Potential
The C-390 Millennium has gained international recognition with selection by multiple air forces including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. While the primary objective focuses on supporting the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is evaluating India's potential as a regional MRO hub for other C-390 Millennium operators.
Embraer maintains a longstanding presence in India with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently operating 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 operates with the Indian Air Force and Border Security Force for government and VIP transportation.
Historical Stock Returns for Mahindra & Mahindra
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.55% | -5.02% | -6.69% | +1.75% | +23.77% | +288.15% |

































