Embraer and Mahindra Identify Nagpur as Potential C-390 Millennium Assembly Hub in India

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer and Indian conglomerate Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur in Maharashtra as the proposed location for a potential final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India.

The proposed facility is part of the companies’ plan to establish a local aerospace manufacturing ecosystem around the C-390 programme, which is being offered to the Indian Air Force under its Medium Transport Aircraft requirement. The project remains dependent on the aircraft being selected by India.

Proposed Facility to Include Assembly, Integration and Supply Chain Development

According to Embraer, the Nagpur facility would support multiple activities including aircraft final assembly, system integration, manufacturing engineering and development of an Indian supplier network.

The partnership aims to progressively involve Indian aerospace companies in the C-390 Millennium ecosystem, expanding domestic participation beyond aircraft assembly into components, engineering services and maintenance support.

Such an industrial setup would align with India’s push to develop indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities and increase private-sector participation in defence production.

C-390 Millennium Competes for Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft Requirement

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine military transport aircraft designed for tactical and strategic airlift missions. It is capable of carrying troops, vehicles, cargo and performing roles such as medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and aerial refuelling.

The aircraft is competing for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme, which is expected to involve the acquisition of a significant number of transport aircraft to strengthen India’s air mobility capabilities.

The C-390 is positioned against other global transport aircraft offerings, including the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

Mahindra-Embraer Partnership Expands India’s Aerospace Manufacturing Ambitions

Embraer and Mahindra entered into a partnership to explore the production of the C-390 Millennium in India, combining Embraer’s aircraft manufacturing expertise with Mahindra’s industrial capabilities and experience in Indian defence manufacturing.

The proposed Nagpur facility would build upon Maharashtra’s existing aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. Nagpur has emerged as an important aerospace hub with aviation infrastructure, industrial land availability and connectivity supporting defence manufacturing activities.

Potential Boost for Indian Aerospace Supply Chain

A C-390 production line in India could create opportunities for local suppliers involved in aircraft structures, components, avionics, systems integration and maintenance support.

Beyond meeting domestic requirements, an Indian manufacturing base could become part of the global C-390 supply chain, supporting exports and long-term aerospace capability development.

The proposed Nagpur facility represents another step in India’s effort to expand from defence equipment procurement towards deeper participation in global aerospace production networks.

References

• Embraer official statement on C-390 Millennium industrial cooperation and proposed assembly facility in India — October 2026
• Mahindra Group official communications on aerospace and defence partnerships
• Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme information
• Ministry of Defence, Government of India — defence manufacturing and Make in India initiatives
• Reuters report: Embraer, Mahindra choose Nagpur for potential C-390 assembly line in India — October 1, 2026