Mahindra and Embraer plan military aircraft base in Nagpur

Mahindra Group and Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer are in talks to set up an industrial and support ecosystem in India for the C-390 Millennium military transport and aerial refuelling aircraft.

Project Details

The two firms are jointly bidding for the Indian Air Force Medium Transport Programme. As part of their preparations, they are working with the Maharashtra government and have picked Nagpur as a potential site for a final assembly line. The partnership began with an initial pact in February 2024, followed by a strategic cooperation agreement in October last year. The plan covers local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain development, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities in India.

Leadership Comments

Vinod Sahay from the Mahindra Group said the firm wants to build a competitive aerospace network and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat goals. Bosco da Costa Jr., President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated that identifying Nagpur is a key step in building a strong aerospace network. Both companies noted that these plans depend on the Indian government selecting the aircraft and placing an order under the Air Force programme.

Aircraft Capabilities

The C-390 Millennium can carry a payload of up to 26 tonnes and can land on temporary or unpaved runways. It is built to handle troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions.

Context

Such major defence partnerships typically involve long-term planning and local government support to meet domestic manufacturing goals. Nagpur has increasingly become a preferred destination for aerospace and defence projects due to its central location and available industrial land.