Embraer Defense & Security and the Mahindra Group said they plan to work toward establishing maintenance, repair and overhaul capability in India for the C-390 Millennium, a move tied to the aircraft’s bid for the Indian Air Force medium transport aircraft requirement.
In a joint announcement dated February 19, 2026, the companies said the proposed in-country MRO facility would be pursued if the C-390 is selected under the Medium Transport Aircraft program. They framed the effort as part of a wider localization push aligned with Make in India and the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy agenda.
According to Embraer, the MRO capability is intended to cover base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training. The company added that it is also evaluating whether India could eventually serve as a regional hub supporting other C-390 operators.
“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,” Embraer Defense & Security head Bosco da Costa Junior said in the release.
Mahindra’s Vinod Sahay said local MRO would be aimed at boosting availability and operational autonomy across the aircraft’s lifecycle.
The MRO plan builds on a strategic cooperation agreement the two companies signed alongside the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in New Delhi in October 2025, which they said was aimed at supporting local production of the C-390 in India if it wins the Indian Air Force requirement.
Embraer reiterated key performance claims for the C-390, including a payload capacity of up to 26 tons, the ability to operate from temporary or unpaved runways, and optional air-to-air refueling configuration as both tanker and receiver. The company also said the in-service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99%.
