Embraer and the Mahindra Group announced plans to work towards establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with plans to establish local manufacturing strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The C‑390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and higher speed and range compared to other medium‑sized military transport aircraft. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways and may be configured for air‑to‑air refuelling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The in‑service fleet has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99 percent, highlighting its productivity and reliability.
The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.
“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“A state‑of‑the‑art C‑390 Millennium MRO capability in India would ensure high aircraft availability, enhanced operational autonomy and a comprehensive local sustainment solution for the Indian Air Force throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle,” said Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group.
The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and training.
“Embraer and Mahindra, intends to expand collaboration with Indian Aerospace companies to drive higher localisation of C-390 Millenium and also to support MRO activities, reinforcing our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, said Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support of Embraer. “In addition to fleet support, this new facility could create high‑skill employment and further contribute to the integration of Indian companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.”
While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390 Millennium operators in the future.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Embraer has a longstanding presence in India, with nearly 50 aircraft across 11 different types currently in operation in the country in commercial, defense, and business aviation roles. In the defense segment, the ERJ145 platform serves as the basis for the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ AEW&C aircraft, while the Legacy 600 is operated by the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) for the transportation of government officials and VIPs.
Embraer and Northrop Grumman partner on air mobility
Embraer and Northrop Grumman are working together to evolve the multi-mission KC-390 Millennium aircraft, to provide advanced tanking capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations. Together, the two companies are addressing the need for agile combat employment through joint investment and a focus on quickly delivering capabilities to the warfighter.
- The companies are joining forces to combine their insights and experiences to rapidly advance the initiatives required to deliver a next generation air-refueling system.
- Drawing on the companies’ extensive expertise in aircraft design, development and production with systems integration and industry-leading manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration sets the stage for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for US and allied air forces and shapes the requirements for future aerial logistics architectures.
- Key features will include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom, enhanced communications, situational awareness and survivability options, as well as adaptable mission systems. These improvements will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refuelling operations and broaden its mission scope in operational environments.
“Northrop Grumman, together with Embraer, is making strategic investments to address the gap in advanced air mobility solutions globally. We’re listening to our customers, particularly in allied nations who seek greater operational autonomy and efficiency, and we’re exploring new technologies that will increase the versatility of the proven KC-390 platform and deliver that greater operational independence our customers need,” said Tom Jones, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
“Together, we will leverage the strengths of two leaders in the defense industry, with a focus on developing a boom refueling system for the KC-390 Millennium so that we can bring the right capability to the U.S. Department of War and other allied nations. The KC-390 is an operationally proven and cost-effective platform that could quickly be added to the U.S. Air Force inventory,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
Embraer delivers A-29 Super Tucanos to Uruguayan Air Force
Embraer has delivered the first two A-29 Super Tucano to the Uruguayan Air Force. The aircraft are part of a program to renew the fleet and expand FAU’s operational capabilities, like airspace and border protection. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, also includes mission equipment, integrated logistics services and a flight simulator.
“We are honored to deliver the first A-29 Super Tucanos to the Uruguayan Air Force. This milestone strengthens a partnership that has grown over more than 50 years, dating back to when Uruguay became the first international customer to acquire an Embraer aircraft”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “These multi-mission aircraft represents a significant milestone in the FAU’s history, expanding its operational capabilities in ways never previously possible.”
“Today is a historic day, of great relevance for Uruguay and its Air Force. With the materialization of the acquisition of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the long-awaited modernization is achieved, this incorporation will mark an operational and technological change of our Combat Fleet,” says the Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, Air General Fernando Colina. “This historic milestone positions Uruguay in the region with an aircraft that operates in 22 air forces in the world, with advanced technology and adequate operating cost. With the arrival of the Super Tucanos, Uruguay obtains a great tool to meet its objectives, it is the vector with which we will be able to recover and expand capabilities to guard our airspace and demonstrate the commitment that our country has with national security and sovereignty.”
“The acquisition of these aircraft opens a new technological horizon. Beyond their good flight performance, modern on-board systems open up new possibilities, allowing the acquisition of new capabilities, which redefines the Uruguayan Air Force’s Air Power,” Col. S. S. (Av.) Shandelaio González, Commander of the II Air Brigade.
“With the incorporation of this weapon system, the Air Force provides the Republic with a capability that will significantly help the air defense system for the control of airspace throughout the national territory. It was a milestone to achieve the acquisition of a highly technological system that the Force was waiting for so much to do its job better,” said Luis H. De León, former commander-in-chief of the Uruguayan Air Force.
The Super Tucano is a global leader in its class, has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours. The aircraft has attracted the interest of several other nations due to the unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most efficient option on the market.
For air forces looking for a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions, including Advanced Pilot Training, Close Air Support (CAS), Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC), Armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Border Surveillance, Air Escort, and most recently, countering drones.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is enhanced by advanced human-machine interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe. The A-29 is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability and structural integrity, with low life cycle costs.
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