Embraer and Mahindra Plan C-390 Millennium MRO Capability in India Pending IAF Selection
Embraer and Mahindra announced plans to establish C-390 Millennium maintenance capability in India, contingent on the Indian Air Force selecting the aircraft in its Medium Transport Aircraft program.
- 26 tons
- >99%
- 11
- nearly 50
What Happened
Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) and the Mahindra Group announced plans on February 19, 2026, in New Delhi, to work toward establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, contingent on selection in the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The companies entered a strategic partnership in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India, a collaboration aimed at supporting the IAF's MTA program and strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative. The proposed MRO facility would provide comprehensive in-country maintenance and sustainment for the C-390 fleet, supporting high operational readiness and availability and reinforcing the companies' commitment to positioning the C-390 as a strong solution for India's future medium transport aircraft requirements. Embraer is also evaluating whether India could serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future. The C-390 has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the…
Embraer and Mahindra Group enter a strategic partnership to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India.
The companies announce plans to establish C-390 Millennium MRO capability in India, pending selection in the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft program.
The C-390 Millennium is described as the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range compared with other medium-sized military transports. It can perform cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions, and can operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft may be configured for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The in-service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99 percent. Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently operating in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles, including the ERJ145 platform that serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force's 'Netra' AEW&C aircraft and the Legacy 600 operated by the Indian Air Force and Border Security Force (BSF).
- Base and heavy maintenance
- Structural inspections and testing
- Component repair and overhaul
- Avionics support
- Training
“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.”
“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.”
“Embraer and Mahindra, intends to expand collaboration with Indian Aerospace companies to drive higher localisation of C-390 Millennium 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'. In addition to fleet support, this new facility could create high-skill employment and further contribute ”
Why this matters
A local MRO capability would let India sustain C-390 Millennium aircraft in-country, improving readiness and giving the Indian Air Force more autonomy while creating high-skill jobs and linking local firms into Embraer's supply chain. The move advances India's 'Make in India' push and could make the country a regional service hub, though it depends on the Indian Air Force selecting the C-390 in its Medium Transport Aircraft program.
Terms in This Story
- MRO
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul: the inspection, servicing, and rebuilding of aircraft to keep them safe and mission-ready.
- MTA
- Medium Transport Aircraft: a military aircraft class designed to move troops, cargo, and equipment over medium-range distances.
- Make in India
- A government initiative encouraging companies to manufacture products in India to boost local industry and jobs.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat
- A national vision for self-reliance that promotes local production and reduced import dependence.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.