In a significant development for India’s defence and aerospace sector, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group have announced plans to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India for the advanced C-390 military transport aircraft.
The proposed facility is expected to support the Indian Air Force’s future transport aircraft requirements while strengthening India’s ambitions to become a regional aviation maintenance hub. The initiative also aligns closely with the government’s “Make in India” and defence self-reliance goals.
Background: Expanding Cooperation After 2025 Agreement
The latest announcement builds on an earlier agreement signed in October 2025 between Embraer and Mahindra to explore local production of the C-390 aircraft in India. That partnership aimed to address the Indian Air Force’s need for modern medium transport aircraft to replace aging fleets currently nearing operational limits.
India is estimated to require between 60 and 80 medium-lift transport aircraft over the coming years. These aircraft are essential for military logistics, troop movement, disaster relief missions, and rapid deployment operations across diverse terrains.
By developing manufacturing and maintenance capabilities within India, both companies aim to reduce dependence on overseas servicing while ensuring faster operational readiness for the armed forces.
What the New MRO Facility Will Offer
The planned MRO facility will play a central role in supporting the lifecycle of the C-390 aircraft. According to the proposal, the center will handle a wide range of services, including:
- Aircraft maintenance and scheduled servicing
- Structural repairs and system upgrades
- Technical training for engineers and crew
- Spare parts support and logistics management
- Operational readiness and performance monitoring
Such facilities are crucial for military aircraft because they ensure high availability rates and reduce downtime during critical missions.
If approved and implemented, the facility could also provide maintenance support for aircraft operated by other countries in the region, positioning India as a strategic aviation services hub.
C-390 Aircraft: Designed for Modern Military Operations
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium transport aircraft of the future that can effectively carry out a variety of tasks. The aircraft is known for combining high payload capacity with modern avionics and operational flexibility.
Key highlights of the aircraft include:
- Payload capacity of approximately 26 tons
- Capability to transport troops, cargo, and military vehicles
- Aerial refueling and medical evacuation roles
- Operation from semi-prepared or shorter runways
- High reliability with over 99% mission success rate
The aircraft is designed to meet modern air force requirements, offering faster speeds and improved efficiency compared to older transport platforms.
Competing in a Global Defence Market
The C-390 program is competing in a highly competitive global market for military transport aircraft. Its main rivals include well-established platforms such as Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus’s A400M Atlas.
Each aircraft offers different advantages, but Embraer positions the C-390 as a cost-effective and technologically advanced alternative suited for modern logistics operations.
India’s decision-making process will likely consider operational efficiency, lifecycle costs, maintenance infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing benefits areas where the Embraer-Mahindra partnership aims to create strong advantages.
Boost to ‘Make in India’ and Defence Self-Reliance
One of the biggest strategic benefits of the proposed MRO facility is its contribution to India’s defence self-reliance efforts.
The Indian government has been actively encouraging global defence companies to manufacture and maintain equipment locally. Establishing aviation infrastructure within the country helps:
- Build domestic aerospace expertise
- Create skilled employment opportunities
- Reduce long-term operational costs
- Strengthen national security through local capability
The partnership reflects a broader shift where international defence companies increasingly collaborate with Indian firms instead of relying solely on imports.
Job Creation and Skill Development Opportunities
The new facility is expected to generate employment across multiple sectors, including engineering, aircraft maintenance, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
Aviation experts highlight that MRO facilities require highly skilled technicians, creating opportunities for:
- Aerospace engineers
- Aircraft maintenance specialists
- Technical trainers
- Supply chain professionals
- Aviation safety experts
Training programs linked to the project could also help develop India’s next generation of aviation professionals, strengthening the country’s long-term aerospace workforce.
India’s Potential as a Regional Aviation Hub
India’s geographic location and growing aviation ecosystem make it an attractive destination for regional maintenance operations. Currently, many aircraft operated in Asia are serviced abroad, leading to higher costs and longer turnaround times.
By establishing advanced MRO infrastructure domestically, India could attract maintenance contracts from neighboring countries and international operators.
This would not only boost economic activity but also elevate India’s status as a key player in the global aerospace services market.
Strategic Importance for the Indian Air Force
For the Indian Air Force, modernizing transport capabilities is essential as operational demands increase. Military transport aircraft are critical during:
- Border logistics operations
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions
- Rapid troop deployment
- Emergency evacuations
A locally supported aircraft fleet ensures faster repairs and improved mission readiness factors that are crucial during emergencies or high-tempo operations.
The proposed facility could significantly reduce maintenance turnaround time compared to overseas servicing arrangements.
Strengthening India-Brazil Defence Cooperation
The Embraer-Mahindra collaboration also reflects growing defence cooperation between India and Brazil. Both countries are emerging economies with expanding aerospace ambitions and shared interests in technological collaboration.
Such partnerships promote technology transfer, innovation sharing, and long-term industrial cooperation, strengthening diplomatic and economic ties beyond traditional defence procurement.
A Major Step Toward India’s Aerospace Future
The proposed C-390 MRO facility represents more than just an aviation project it signals India’s rising ambitions to become a global aerospace manufacturing and maintenance hub.
By combining Embraer’s aircraft expertise with Mahindra’s industrial capabilities, the partnership could help modernize India’s military aviation infrastructure while supporting domestic industry growth.
If successfully implemented, the initiative may accelerate India’s journey toward defence self-reliance, create high-value jobs, and position the country as a key player in the regional aviation ecosystem.
As India continues to expand its defence modernization programs, collaborations like this highlight a clear trend: the future of military aviation in the country is increasingly being built at home.
