Mahindra and Embraer Plan C-390 Maintenance Hub in India
The Mahindra Group and Brazil’s Embraer SA announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, plans to build a world-class maintenance facility in India. This project depends on the Indian Air Force (IAF) selecting the C-390 Millennium for its Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
This proposed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center would provide local support for the C-390 fleet. It aims to keep the aircraft ready for action and ensure they are always available for missions.
A Stronger ‘Make in India’ Partnership
This announcement builds on a deal signed in October 2025, where both companies agreed to produce the multi-mission aircraft under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The new MRO facility would offer a wide range of services, including:
- Base and heavy maintenance
- Structural testing and inspections
- Component repair and overhaul
- Advanced electronics (avionics) support
- Technical training
Vinod Sahay of the Mahindra Group stated that having this capability in India would give the Indian Air Force more independence and a complete support system for the aircraft’s entire lifespan.
Key Features of the C-390 Millennium
The C-390 Millennium is a top-tier military transport aircraft. According to the companies, its highlights include:
- Heavy Lifting: It can carry up to 26 tons of cargo.
- Speed and Range: It flies faster and farther than other medium-sized transport planes.
- Versatility: It can handle cargo and troop transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian aid.
- Flexibility: The aircraft can land on unpaved or temporary runways and can be used for mid-air refueling.
India as a Regional Hub
Embraer is currently the world’s third-largest producer of civil aircraft and a major player in the military sector. While the main goal is to support the IAF, Embraer is also looking at India as a potential regional hub. This means the Indian facility could eventually provide maintenance for C-390 aircraft used by other countries in the region.
This move follows another recent partnership where Embraer teamed up with the Adani Group to create a commercial aircraft maintenance base in India.
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