Embraer and Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, as a potential location for a final assembly line for C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The project depends on the Indian government selecting the aircraft under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement programme and subsequently placing an order.

The two companies are working with the Maharashtra government to prepare the industrial infrastructure so that implementation can begin promptly if their bid is selected. According to Vinod Sahay, a member of Mahindra Group’s Executive Board, the state government has already allotted land in Nagpur and is supporting the fulfilment of related requirements.

The proposed facility would encompass final aircraft assembly, systems integration and manufacturing process development, alongside the transfer of relevant expertise and the development of a local supply chain. The partners intend to gradually involve Indian aerospace companies in manufacturing, aftermarket services, training and support throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. The project aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which promote domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said identifying Nagpur as a potential location marked an important step towards establishing long-term industrial capabilities in India. Sahay emphasised that Mahindra was preparing the manufacturing and technological capabilities required to deliver the programme, reiterating that implementation remained subject to the Indian government’s decision and an Air Force order.

Embraer and Mahindra’s cooperation on the programme began with a memorandum of understanding signed in February 2024, followed by a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025. The agreement covers local manufacturing and assembly, supply chain development, and maintenance, repair and overhaul activities. In February 2026, the partners also announced preparations to establish C-390 maintenance capabilities in India, likewise conditional on the aircraft’s selection under the MTA programme.

The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, designed for troop and cargo transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. It is also designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The proposed manufacturing programme in India would combine Embraer’s aircraft development and production expertise with Mahindra’s manufacturing capabilities and network of domestic industrial partners.