Aviation News – Embraer and Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the potential location for a Final Assembly Line to produce the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, positioning their joint industrial bid for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme.
The partnership marks a significant development in ongoing planning activities between the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer and the Indian industrial conglomerate. Working closely with the Government of Maharashtra, both entities are evaluating Nagpur to host local assembly, system integration, and manufacturing engineering operations. The proposed manufacturing hub remains contingent upon the Government of India selecting the C-390 Millennium and placing an order under the Indian Air Force’s procurement framework.
The collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive domestic supply chain while integrating local aerospace companies into global production networks. Beyond final assembly, the initiative envisions long-term technical capabilities covering component manufacturing, workforce training, and lifecycle support. By coordinating infrastructure requirements in advance, the partners seek to accelerate industrial deployment immediately if awarded the contract.
The C-390 Millennium operates as a multi-mission military transport aircraft engineered to carry up to 26 tonnes of payload. Designed to perform troop deployment, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance from unpaved runways, the aircraft offers advanced operational flexibility for defense operations. Establishing a dedicated assembly hub enhances operational readiness through localized technical support and direct industrial capability.
“Identifying Nagpur as a potential assembly location is an important step in building a long-term aerospace ecosystem in India,” stated Embraer Defence & Security leadership regarding the joint initiative.
Establishing local production facilities creates new pathways for advanced manufacturing, high-skilled employment, and technological transfers within India’s defense sector. If realized, the facility will significantly advance national defense self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The partnership between Embraer and Mahindra Group strengthens India’s position as an emerging defense manufacturing powerhouse. Establishing an assembly ecosystem in Nagpur ensures swift industrial scaling once contractual selection concludes. This strategic planning positions the C-390 Millennium as a formidable contender for India’s future airlift requirements.
