Mahindra-Embraer deepen defence tie-up with planned C-390 aircraft MRO facility

Mahindra Group and Brazil-based Embraer have announced plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, contingent on the platform’s selection under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.

The proposal builds on a strategic partnership signed in October 2025 to produce the C-390 in India, aimed at advancing localisation and supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The planned facility would provide in-country maintenance and sustainment support for the aircraft, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repair, avionics support and training.

The companies said the move would help ensure high operational readiness and availability for the Indian Air Force fleet, while reducing dependence on overseas support.

Embraer described the C-390 as a next-generation military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, capable of missions ranging from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation and humanitarian operations. The aircraft can also operate from unpaved runways and be configured for air-to-air refuelling.

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Beyond domestic requirements, Embraer is also evaluating the possibility of positioning India as a regional MRO hub for other C-390 operators.

As of 3:05 pm, shares of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd were trading at ₹3,441.50, down 2.52 percent on the NSE.