Embraer and Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur, in India’s Maharashtra state, as the location for a proposed C-390 Millennium assembly line if the aircraft wins the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft competition.
The facility would assemble aircraft locally, but its development depends on India selecting the C-390 and placing an order under the program.
Both companies are working with the Maharashtra government on land and infrastructure arrangements to prepare for a possible contract award.
Mahindra said the state government had allocated land in Nagpur for the project.
Plans also include aircraft systems integration, manufacturing engineering, and the development of a local supply chain.
The C-390 is a military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 metric tons (57,320 pounds), designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways.
Its missions include troop and cargo transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations.
Local Production
If their bid succeeds, Embraer and Mahindra intend to gradually bring Indian aerospace companies into manufacturing, maintenance, training, and long-term support for the C-390.
These preparations build on plans announced in February this year to establish a C-390 maintenance capability in India, also contingent on the aircraft winning the competition.
Beyond supporting a potential Indian Air Force fleet, the partners are assessing whether India could serve as a regional maintenance hub for other C-390 operators.
Their work is guided by a strategic cooperation agreement signed in October last year, covering local production, assembly, repair, and overhaul.
That agreement expanded an initial memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024.
Embraer has an established presence in India across commercial, business, and defense aviation, with around 50 aircraft of various models operating nationwide.