Embraer, Mahindra pick Nagpur for potential C-390 assembly line

Embraer and the Mahindra Group have identified Nagpur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, as the location of a potential final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium, as they pursue the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. 

The partners are working with the Government of Maharashtra to complete the associated processes, so that the industrial infrastructure can be built quickly if the Government of India selects the C-390 and places an order under the program.  

Vinod Sahay, who sits on the Mahindra Group’s executive board, thanked the state government for “expeditiously allotting the land in Nagpur”. 

Nagpur site would anchor Indian C-390 industrial base 

The proposed Nagpur facility would cover aircraft assembly, system integration, manufacturing engineering, and local supply chain development. 

If they secure the MTA program, the partners also intend to bring Indian aerospace companies gradually into C-390 manufacturing, aftermarket services, training and lifecycle support. 

Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, described the choice of Nagpur as an important step toward building a long-term aerospace ecosystem in India. 

Embraer and Mahindra signed a strategic cooperation agreement in October 2025, following a memorandum of understanding from February 2024. In February 2026, they also outlined plans for an Indian C-390 maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capability. 

India seeks 60 aircraft to replace An-32s and Il-76s 

India’s Defense Acquisition Council approved the MTA procurement on March 27, 2026, with the new aircraft due to replace the IAF’s An-32 and Il-76 transport fleets. The Indian Ministry of Defense then issued a request for proposals for 60 aircraft on August 12, 2026. 

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems are offering the C-130J-30 Super Hercules. Lockheed Martin has also promised that, should it win the MTA contract, it would add C-130J production and assembly capacity in India. The post Embraer, Mahindra pick Nagpur for potential C-390 assembly line appeared first on AeroTime.

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