Embraer, Mahindra Expand Partnership to Develop C-390 Millennium in India
New Delhi – In a landmark development for the aerospace and defense sectors, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA has announced an expanded strategic partnership with India’s Mahindra Group to advance the development and production of the C-390 Millennium aircraft in India.
The agreement, unveiled on Friday, underscores the growing collaboration between Brazil and India in defense technology and positions India as a key regional hub for advanced aircraft production.
This expanded partnership builds on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 and reflects the long-term ambition of both companies to strengthen India’s aerospace capabilities.
Under the new agreement, Embraer and Mahindra will engage in joint initiatives covering the full lifecycle of the C-390 Millennium aircraft — from production and assembly to marketing, industrialization, and regional support services.
By combining Embraer’s decades of experience in aircraft design and Mahindra’s industrial expertise, the collaboration aims to create a robust platform for both domestic and regional aviation markets.
“The C-390 Millennium is a state-of-the-art medium transport aircraft, and India presents a unique opportunity to develop a production and support ecosystem that can meet both national defense needs and regional demands,” Embraer said in a statement.
“This partnership with Mahindra Group represents a strategic step toward establishing India as a center of excellence for aircraft manufacturing and support.”
The scope of the collaboration goes beyond mere assembly. Both companies will explore opportunities for setting up manufacturing facilities, developing supply chains, and establishing comprehensive maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) capabilities in India.
The intention is to create a fully integrated industrial ecosystem that enhances the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force while also positioning India as a hub for regional aviation exports.
“The long-term goal is to ensure that India not only meets its defense requirements but also emerges as a competitive player in the regional aerospace market,” Embraer added.
“Through this partnership, we aim to transfer critical technologies, create high-value jobs, and foster innovation in India’s aerospace sector.”
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of Embraer’s new national office in New Delhi, which brings together executives from both Embraer and Mahindra Group, along with key representatives from the Brazilian and Indian governments.
The office is expected to serve as the central hub for coordination and strategic planning for the partnership.
Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, who attended the inauguration, highlighted the significance of the new office as a foundation for future collaborations between the two countries.
“The opening of Embraer’s national office in New Delhi symbolizes the growing strength of Brazil-India cooperation in high-technology sectors. It sets the stage for long-term projects that will benefit both nations economically and strategically,” he said.
Industry analysts have noted that this partnership comes at an opportune time as India seeks to modernize its air force and expand its defense capabilities.
The C-390 Millennium, a versatile and advanced medium transport aircraft, is expected to provide India with enhanced operational flexibility, including the rapid transport of personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid.
From a broader economic perspective, the partnership is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in India. Experts predict that the joint production and assembly activities could create thousands of high-skilled jobs in aerospace engineering, logistics, and supply chain management.
Additionally, technology transfer initiatives will enable Indian engineers and technicians to gain hands-on experience with advanced aircraft systems, further strengthening the domestic aerospace industry.
“This is a landmark moment for India’s defense and aerospace sectors,” said a Mahindra Group spokesperson. “By working alongside Embraer, we are building capabilities that not only serve India’s national interests but also position the country as a key player in the global aerospace ecosystem.”
The partnership also opens doors for regional collaboration. With India serving as a hub for the C-390 Millennium, neighboring countries may benefit from enhanced access to advanced transport aircraft and associated support services, fostering regional stability and operational efficiency in humanitarian and defense missions.
As both companies move forward, the collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra exemplifies the potential of international partnerships in driving innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
By leveraging each other’s strengths, Brazil and India are setting a new benchmark for strategic cooperation in the aerospace and defense sectors.
In conclusion, the Embraer-Mahindra partnership represents a visionary approach to global aerospace collaboration. It strengthens India’s defense capabilities, fosters technological innovation, creates high-value jobs, and enhances regional aerospace leadership.
With the C-390 Millennium project, both nations are not just building aircraft—they are constructing a bridge for innovation, industrial growth, and enduring bilateral cooperation.
