Mahindra Group is in discussions with Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer to establish an industrial and support ecosystem for the C-390 Millennium military transport and aerial refuelling aircraft in India. This announcement was made on October 1, 2026. The two companies are collaborating on the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
Collaboration Details
As part of their preparations, Mahindra and Embraer are working with the Maharashtra government and have identified Nagpur as a potential site for a final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium aircraft. The partnership aims to advance the C-390 Millennium for the IAF's MTA programme, building on a strategic cooperation agreement signed in October 2025.
The agreement focuses on:
- Industrialisation
- Local manufacturing
- Assembly
- Supply chain development
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities in India
In February 2026, the companies announced plans to establish a C-390 Millennium MRO capability in India, contingent on the aircraft's selection under the MTA programme. The proposed facility would support local assembly and industrialisation of the aircraft, pending an order from the Indian government.
Infrastructure Development
The companies are collaborating closely with the Maharashtra government to ensure that the necessary industrial infrastructure is developed swiftly if the programme is awarded to them. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, stated:
