Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and Mahindra Group are deepening their collaboration in India to develop a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the C‑390 Millennium military transport aircraft, contingent on the aircraft being chosen for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
The proposed MRO facility will provide end-to-end support for the C‑390, including base and heavy maintenance, avionics support, structural inspections, component overhaul, and technical training. This will allow faster servicing and reduce reliance on overseas facilities, improving the fleet’s operational readiness and lifecycle efficiency.
The partnership, first formalised in October 2025, is designed to strengthen India’s defence aerospace ecosystem. Vinod Sahay of Mahindra Group said a local MRO would ensure high aircraft availability, support the IAF’s operational needs, and help India build domestic defence capabilities.
Embraer Services & Support President and CEO Carlos Naufel emphasized that the facility would generate skilled jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and connect Indian aerospace companies to Embraer’s global support network. The facility could also position India as a regional hub for C‑390 maintenance, servicing other operators of the aircraft in Asia and beyond.
The C‑390 Millennium is a versatile aircraft capable of cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian missions, and air-to-air refuelling. By establishing an MRO facility in India, the partners aim to ensure quicker turnaround times and operational autonomy for the aircraft fleet.
This initiative also aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, promoting local manufacturing and lifecycle support in defence and aerospace. Embraer already has a presence in India with nearly 50 aircraft operating across defence, commercial, and business aviation sectors, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to the country.
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