Mahindra Group and Embraer Defense & Security have forged a strategic cooperation agreement to introduce and manufacture the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India. This landmark partnership, signed in October 2025 alongside the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in New Delhi’s Aerocity, builds upon a previous MoU from February 2024 and marks a significant step toward advancing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in defense manufacturing.
Under this agreement, the two companies will collaborate closely with Indian military and aerospace stakeholders to establish India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium. This involves joint marketing, industrialization, local manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply chain development, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) activities. The goal is to cater to the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirements as well as regional defense needs. Manufacturing of C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India may commence soon.
The C-390 Millennium is recognized as a highly capable and versatile medium-sized military transport aircraft, able to carry up to 26 tons of payload, operate from unpaved runways, and perform diverse missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and air-to-air refueling. It boasts faster speeds and longer range compared to its peers and has a demonstrated mission completion rate above 99%.
Through combined expertise—Embraer’s aerospace innovation and Mahindra’s manufacturing strength—this collaboration emphasizes self-reliance by contributing to the Make in India initiative and strengthening defense ties between Brazil and India. Besides improving the Indian defense ecosystem, the partnership is expected to create high-skilled jobs and develop advanced aerospace technologies domestically.
In summary, the Mahindra-Embraer alliance aims to position India as a strategic hub for production and support of the C-390 Millennium, significantly enhancing India’s military transport capabilities and defense manufacturing profile in the region.
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