Embraer and Mahindra Expand Partnership to Strengthen India’s C-390 Military Aircraft Ecosystem
Brazilian aerospace major Embraer and India’s Mahindra Group are advancing plans to deepen their collaboration in support of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft program in India. The move is aimed at strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, subject to the Indian Air Force selecting the C-390 under its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
The expanded cooperation builds upon an existing strategic understanding between the two companies, which envisions manufacturing the aircraft in India in alignment with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The partnership reflects New Delhi’s broader objective of boosting indigenous defence production, reducing import dependence, and positioning India as a competitive player in the global aerospace value chain.
A key pillar of the proposed collaboration is the development of a dedicated MRO ecosystem for the C-390 in India. Establishing advanced MRO infrastructure would enable the country not only to service aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force but also to potentially support the global fleet of C-390 aircraft. This would enhance India’s technical capabilities in aircraft lifecycle management while creating skilled employment opportunities across engineering, logistics, and aviation services.
The C-390 Millennium is a versatile, next-generation military transport aircraft designed to perform a wide range of missions. It is capable of handling troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, aerial refueling, and humanitarian operations. With its ability to carry substantial payloads and operate in diverse conditions, the aircraft is considered suitable for meeting varied operational requirements.
Industry experts believe that the Embraer–Mahindra collaboration could deliver broader economic and strategic benefits beyond the immediate aircraft program. By integrating Indian suppliers and manufacturing partners into Embraer’s global production network, the partnership has the potential to bring Indian companies into international aerospace supply chains. Such integration would strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced manufacturing, systems integration, and aerospace engineering.
Embraer already maintains a presence in India across defence and business aviation segments. The proposed MRO facility, if established, would not only cater to Indian military needs but could also serve international operators of the C-390, positioning India as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance and support services. This aligns with the country’s ambition to emerge as a major centre for aerospace services in Asia.
Beyond defence readiness, the initiative is expected to contribute to technology transfer, skill development, and infrastructure growth within India’s aviation sector. Enhanced MRO capabilities can reduce aircraft downtime, improve operational efficiency, and create long-term sustainability for fleet management.
As India continues to emphasize domestic production in critical sectors, partnerships such as this one highlight the growing convergence between global aerospace firms and Indian industrial groups. If the C-390 is selected under the Medium Transport Aircraft program, the collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra could become a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Summary:
Embraer and Mahindra Group are strengthening cooperation to support India’s C-390 Millennium aircraft program, focusing on building domestic manufacturing and MRO capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The partnership aims to enhance defence self-reliance, integrate Indian firms into global aerospace supply chains, and potentially position India as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance and support services.