Embraer & Mahindra unveil C-390 MRO strategy for Indian Air Force MTA bid
February 19, 2026
Embraer and the Mahindra Group have moved to strengthen their pitch for the Indian Air Force’s long-awaited Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, outlining plans to establish a full in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem for the C-390 Millennium should the aircraft be selected.
The proposal signals a deeper industrial play around India’s future airlift requirements, rather than a simple platform offer.
The latest step builds on the strategic partnership signed in October 2025, under which the Brazilian airframer and the Indian conglomerate agreed to collaborate on production and support of the twin-jet transport in India.
The MRO announcement now adds a crucial lifecycle sustainment element, which is an area that is increasingly central to New Delhi’s procurement thinking.
Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft programme gathers pace
The Indian Air Force’s MTA programme is intended to replace ageing Antonov An-32 and Avro HS-748 fleets and modernise the tactical airlift segment in the 18-30 tonne payload class.
The Ministry of Defence is expected to seek around 60-80 aircraft, making it one of the most closely watched transport competitions globally.
For the IAF, the requirement is not merely about fleet renewal. The service is looking for higher availability rates, faster turnaround, improved payload-range performance and stronger domestic sustainment capability.
These factors have pushed bidders to package industrial participation and long-term support alongside aircraft performance.
Against this backdrop, Embraer’s move to outline an India-based MRO network appears calibrated to address concerns over lifecycle autonomy and fleet readiness.
Embraer-Mahindra MRO proposal targets high IAF fleet availability
Under the plan, the Embraer-Mahindra partnership would establish comprehensive in-country support for the C-390, covering base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component overhaul, avionics support and training.
Company executives framed the proposal as central to operational readiness rather than an afterthought. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the company intends to deliver “a robust, long-term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements.”
Vinod Sahay of the Mahindra Group added that a domestic sustainment capability would help ensure high aircraft availability and greater operational autonomy for the Indian Air Force over the platform’s lifecycle.
Industry observers note that local MRO capacity has become a decisive factor in recent Indian acquisitions, particularly for high-tempo fleets expected to operate from dispersed bases.
C-390 Millennium positioned as a high-performance contender in MTA competition
Embraer continues to position the C-390 Millennium as the most modern aircraft in the medium transport category. The jet-powered platform offers a maximum payload of 26 tonnes and cruise speeds higher than most turboprop competitors.
The aircraft is designed for multi-role operations including cargo and troop transport, airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. It can operate from semi-prepared or unpaved runways and can be configured for air-to-air refuelling both as tanker and receiver.
According to Embraer, the in-service fleet has demonstrated mission completion rates above 99 per cent, a metric the company is using to underline dispatch reliability.
The type is already in service with Brazil, Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands, and has secured orders from several additional European and Asian operators. India is widely viewed as the next major campaign.
Make in India strategy central to Embraer’s industrial pitch
Beyond sustainment, the partnership signals a broader localisation strategy. Embraer and Mahindra have indicated they intend to expand collaboration with Indian aerospace firms, potentially integrating domestic suppliers into the global C-390 supply chain.
Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, said the proposed facility could generate high-skill employment and deepen the participation of the Indian industry in the programme.
There is also a longer-term ambition: India could evolve into a regional support hub for other C-390 operators. If realised, that would give the programme a footprint beyond the IAF fleet and strengthen the business case for local infrastructure.
Embraer expands India presence ahead of MTA decision
The MRO proposal comes alongside Embraer’s broader expansion in India.
The company recently inaugurated a new corporate office in New Delhi to coordinate activities across defence, commercial aviation, business jets and services.
Embraer already maintains a modest but established presence in the country. The ERJ-145 platform underpins the Indian Air Force’s Netra airborne early warning aircraft, while Legacy 600 jets are used for VIP transport by the IAF and the Border Security Force.
Across all segments, nearly 50 Embraer aircraft of 11 different types are currently operating in India.
Competition intensifies for Indian Air Force transport aircraft contract
The MTA contest is expected to draw multiple global contenders offering different trade-offs in payload, cost and industrial participation.
Analysts note that the IAF’s eventual decision will likely balance capability with long-term sustainment, sovereignty and domestic industrial benefits.
For Embraer and Mahindra, the emerging strategy is clear: position the C-390 not just as an aircraft, but as part of a broader Indian aerospace ecosystem.
With the MTA tender still awaited, the real contest is only beginning, but the groundwork for a fiercely fought campaign is now firmly in place.
