This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer and Mahindra Group Propose C-390 MRO Facility to Boost “Make in India” Bid

New Delhi, In a significant move to strengthen their joint bid for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, Embraer and the Mahindra Group announced on February 19, 2026, that they will collaborate to establish a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This initiative is designed to support the C-390 Millennium fleet should the aircraft be selected by the IAF.

The announcement builds upon a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) signed by the two companies in October 2025, which outlined plans to manufacture the multi-mission military transport aircraft domestically. According to the joint statement, the proposed MRO facility aims to ensure high operational readiness and long-term autonomy for the Indian Air Force, aligning directly with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Deepening the Industrial Partnership

The proposed facility is intended to provide a full spectrum of sustainment services within India. Embraer states that these services will include base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and technical training. By localizing these capabilities, the partners aim to eliminate the need for foreign dependency regarding critical repairs and lifecycle support.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the company’s focus on long-term localization in the official release:

“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements.”

Mahindra Group executives highlighted the operational benefits of the plan. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, noted that a state-of-the-art local MRO capability would ensure “high aircraft availability” and “enhanced operational autonomy” for the IAF throughout the fleet’s service life.

While the primary mission of the facility would be to support the Indian fleet, Embraer indicated it is also evaluating India’s potential to serve as a regional MRO hub. If realized, this hub could provide sustainment services for other C-390 operators in the region, further integrating Indian aerospace companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.

The C-390 Millennium Profile

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine jet transport aircraft positioned as a modern alternative to traditional turboprops. According to Embraer, the aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and operates at higher speeds than other medium-sized military-aircraft transports. The in-service fleet has reportedly achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99 percent.

Key capabilities highlighted in the announcement include:

• Multi-mission flexibility: Capable of cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting.
• Aerial Refueling: Configurable as both a tanker and a receiver for air-to-air refueling.
• Rugged Operations: Designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

The aircraft has already been selected by several nations, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania.

Context: The Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Program

The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra targets the Indian Air Force’s requirement to replace aging transport fleets. Industry analysis indicates the IAF is seeking to replace its Antonov An-32s and potentially older Ilyushin Il-76s. The tender is estimated to cover a requirement for 40 to 80 aircraft with a payload capacity between 18 and 30 tonnes.

The C-390 faces competition from established platforms. The Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 is already in service with the IAF, and the Airbus A400M offers a heavier payload capacity. By guaranteeing local MRO capabilities, Embraer and Mahindra are attempting to match the infrastructure advantages held by competitors who already have established footprints in the Indian defense ecosystem.

AirPro News Analysis

The pledge to establish a local MRO facility is a strategic necessity rather than just a value-add. In recent years, the Indian Ministry of Defence has prioritized “operational sovereignty”, the ability to maintain and repair defense assets without relying on external supply chains that could be disrupted during geopolitical crises.

While the C-390 offers a unique “sweet spot” in terms of payload (26 tons) and speed (jet propulsion) compared to its turboprop rivals, the lack of an existing logistics tail in India was a potential weakness. This announcement directly addresses that gap. If Embraer and Mahindra can credibly demonstrate that their MRO plan will create high-skill jobs and transfer genuine technical know-how, it significantly strengthens their bid against competitors like the C-130J, which benefits from existing IAF infrastructure, and the A400M.

Embraer’s Existing Footprint

Embraer is not a new entrant to the Indian market. The company reports having nearly 50 aircraft currently operating in the country across commercial, defense, and business aviation sectors. Notably, the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft is built on the Embraer ERJ145 platform, and the Legacy 600 is used by the IAF and Border Security Force for VIP transport.

Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, stated that the new collaboration intends to expand relationships with Indian aerospace companies to “drive higher localisation” of the C-390 program.

Sources: Embraer Press Release