Embraer Sees India as Future Hub for C-390 Transport Aircraft Production and Asian Exports

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is looking to expand its defence manufacturing presence in India by positioning the country as a potential production and export hub for its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The company’s strategy goes beyond securing a major Indian Air Force (IAF) contract, with ambitions to serve the growing military aviation requirements of countries across the wider Asian region.

Embraer is working alongside India’s Mahindra Group to compete for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, which involves the procurement of 60 military transport aircraft. The proposed acquisition is estimated to be worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore, making it one of India’s significant upcoming military aviation procurement programmes.

Speaking about the company’s long-term ambitions, Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior indicated that Asia could account for approximately 40–45 per cent of the addressable global market for aircraft in this category. According to the company’s assessment, the region could require around 500 medium military transport aircraft over the next 20 years. Embraer sees this potential demand as an opportunity to develop India into a regional manufacturing base capable of supporting international customers.

The proposed industrial partnership with Mahindra is expected to play an important role in achieving this objective. The two companies have identified Nagpur in Maharashtra as the potential location for a C-390 Millennium final assembly facility. The proposed manufacturing ecosystem could include aircraft assembly, systems integration, engineering operations, component manufacturing and the development of a domestic aerospace supply chain.

However, the establishment of the facility remains conditional. Embraer and Mahindra have clarified that the proposed industrialisation programme will move forward if the Indian government selects the C-390 Millennium under the IAF’s MTA programme and places an order. Therefore, the identification of Nagpur represents an important preparatory step rather than confirmation that aircraft production has officially started.

Under the MTA programme, the Indian Air Force plans to acquire 60 aircraft to strengthen its medium-lift transport capabilities and address the requirement to replace ageing transport platforms. The procurement framework предусматриes the initial delivery of 12 aircraft in fly-away condition, while the remaining 48 are expected to be manufactured in India. The programme also places emphasis on domestic industrial participation and indigenous manufacturing.

The C-390 Millennium is a multi-role military transport aircraft designed to undertake a wide range of operational missions. These include transporting troops and cargo, airborne supply operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian assistance. With a maximum payload capacity of approximately 26 tonnes, the aircraft is designed to support demanding military logistics requirements and operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

Embraer’s proposal also reflects a broader commitment to establishing long-term support capabilities in India. The company and Mahindra previously announced plans to develop local Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the C-390, covering heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repairs, avionics support and technical training.

If selected, the programme could create opportunities for Indian aerospace manufacturers, strengthen domestic defence supply chains and generate skilled employment. It could also help Indian companies become part of Embraer’s international manufacturing and support network.

The proposal comes as India continues to encourage foreign defence manufacturers to collaborate with domestic companies under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. While competition for the IAF’s transport aircraft requirement remains a major factor, Embraer’s longer-term ambition is to make India an important centre for the production and global support of the C-390 Millennium.

The success of this strategy will ultimately depend on the outcome of the Indian Air Force’s procurement process. If the partnership secures the contract, India could gain a significant new opportunity to expand its military aerospace manufacturing capabilities while targeting the growing transport aircraft market across Asia.