Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Mahindra and Embraer Identify Nagpur for C-390 Assembly Line
Mahindra Group and Embraer want to build a place in Nagpur to assemble C-390 military transport planes.
Nagpur is a possible location, but the plan is not final.
India must first choose the C-390 for the Indian Air Force’s transport-aircraft programme and place an order.
The companies are working with Maharashtra’s government to prepare for the project.
A government announcement said it could involve ₹6,000 crore and 1,000 jobs.
The facility could help make and assemble aircraft parts in India.
It could also support training, repairs and other services.
Tata and Lockheed Martin are offering a different aircraft for the same programme.
Mahindra Group and Embraer identified Nagpur as the potential final assembly line location for C-390 Millennium aircraft.
The facility depends on India selecting the C-390 for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme and placing an order.
The companies are working with the Maharashtra government on preparations and industrial infrastructure for the proposed facility.
A Maharashtra government announcement cited a planned ₹6,000 crore investment and 1,000 jobs.
The proposal includes local assembly, manufacturing, supply-chain development, training and maintenance support; Tata and Lockheed Martin are offering the C-130J-30 in the competition.
- Who
- Mahindra Group and Embraer, working with the Maharashtra government.
- What
- A proposed C-390 Millennium final assembly line and related industrial and support activities.
- When
- The announcements were published October 1 and 2, 2026; the companies’ strategic cooperation agreement dates to October 2025.
- Where
- Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To support local aircraft assembly and industrialisation if India selects the C-390 for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme and places an order.
Mahindra–Embraer
Tata–Lockheed Martin
Aircraft proposal
Mahindra–Embraer
Mahindra Group and Embraer are proposing the C-390 Millennium for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme.
Tata–Lockheed Martin
Tata and Lockheed Martin are offering the C-130J-30 for the programme.
Industrial plans in the reports
Mahindra–Embraer
The companies describe a potential Nagpur assembly facility and local manufacturing, supply-chain, training and support activities, conditional on selection and an order.
Tata–Lockheed Martin
The reports identify the C-130J-30 offer but provide no comparable details about the competitors’ proposed industrial plans.
- Aircraft
- Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft
- Proposed location
- Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Reported investment
- ₹6,000 crore, according to a Maharashtra government announcement
- Reported jobs
- 1,000, according to a Maharashtra government announcement
- Programme condition
- India must select the C-390 under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme and place an order
- Proposed activities
- Assembly, industrialisation, system integration, local supply-chain development, training, aftermarket services and MRO
- Partnership timeline
- Earlier MoU signed in February 2024; Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed in October 2025
- Competing offer
- Tata and Lockheed Martin are offering the C-130J-30
Sources
Embraer, Mahindra Group plan to invest ₹6,000 crore in Nagpur assembly line
Eye on IAF medium transport aircraft deal, Mahindra Group-Embraer zero in on Nagpur for C-390 assembly
Mahindra, Embraer identify Nagpur for C-390 assembly line
Mahindra, Embraer advance C-390 Millennium plan, name Nagpur as potential final assembly line
