The Mahindra Group has announced that it is currently engaged in advanced preparatory discussions with Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer to establish a comprehensive industrial, manufacturing, and support ecosystem in India for the state-of-the-art C-390 Millennium military transport and aerial refuelling aircraft. This strategic collaboration is centered on jointly pursuing the Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement programme, positioning both companies to deliver cutting-edge tactical airlift solutions tailored to India’s evolving defense requirements. As a critical component of their ongoing operational preparations, Mahindra and Embraer are actively working in close coordination with the Maharashtra government, having already identified Nagpur as the ideal strategic location for a potential final assembly line dedicated to C-390 Millennium production within the country. This major industrial initiative builds seamlessly upon a solid foundation of previous partnerships, including an initial cooperation pact signed in February 2024 followed by a formal strategic cooperation agreement concluded in October 2025 to jointly advance the aircraft for the IAF’s rigorous evaluation process. By leveraging Mahindra’s formidable engineering and defense manufacturing capabilities alongside Embraer’s world-class aviation expertise, the proposed venture promises to significantly advance India’s self-reliance objectives under the Make in India initiative, creating high-tech local employment opportunities, boosting regional economic development in Maharashtra, and establishing a robust maintenance and repair hub for military transport operations across the region.
Mahindra and Embraer Partner to Establish C-390 Military Aircraft Ecosystem in India
