Mahindra Group and Embraer plan to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the C-390 Millennium, subject to the aircraft’s selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.

The proposal marks the next phase of a strategic partnership signed in October 2025 to manufacture the C-390 in India. The MRO capability is positioned as a key element of the localisation pitch, aimed at strengthening the bid under the government’s ‘Make in India’ framework.

Full-spectrum sustainment capability

The proposed facility will offer base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repair and overhaul, avionics support and training. The objective is to provide end-to-end lifecycle support within India, reducing external dependence and turnaround times.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, said the company is focused on building a long-term support ecosystem aligned with India’s operational and industrial requirements.

Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, said a domestic MRO capability would help ensure higher aircraft availability and greater operational autonomy across the platform’s lifecycle.

Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support, said the partnership will work toward deeper localisation and integration of Indian aerospace firms into Embraer’s global supply chain.

Eye on regional hub potential

While the primary focus is the Indian Air Force requirement, the companies are also assessing the feasibility of positioning India as a regional MRO hub for other C-390 operators.

The C-390 Millennium is a medium-lift military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes. It can undertake cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and air-to-air refuelling missions. Embraer claims the aircraft has achieved a mission completion rate of over 99% in service.

The platform has been selected by several air forces, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands and South Korea. Embraer currently has nearly 50 aircraft across commercial, defence and business aviation segments operating in India.