Embraer and Mahindra Choose Nagpur for a Potential C-390 Assembly Line

October 4, 2026 edition. Published October 8, 2026; this retrospective uses reports available by October 4.

Embraer and Mahindra have identified Nagpur in Maharashtra as the location for a possible Indian assembly line for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The announcement is a preparatory step in their bid for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme. It is not confirmation that India has selected the aircraft or placed an order.

What the companies have confirmed

In its October 1 release, Embraer said the partners were working with Maharashtra on the industrial arrangements. Mahindra said land had been allotted in Nagpur. Local production would proceed subject to government selection and an aircraft order. The proposed partnership also envisages Indian suppliers, maintenance, training and support over the aircraft’s service life. Source: Embraer’s announcement.

Where this fits in the aircraft competition

Aviation International News reported on October 4 that the C-390 was expected to compete with Lockheed Martin’s C-130J and Airbus’ A400M. Its report said the defence ministry’s August request for proposals covered at least 60 aircraft, with domestic content requirements increasing for later deliveries. These are programme requirements and competing proposals; they do not establish which aircraft will win.

The C-390 can carry a payload of up to 26 tonnes. A transport-aircraft decision must consider the required missions and support arrangements as well as the aircraft itself. An assembly location is one part of that larger assessment. Source: Aviation International News.

Why Tamil Nadu is part of the discussion

The announcement prompted criticism from former Tamil Nadu industries minister T R B Rajaa, who said the previous state government had promoted Sulur or Hosur to Embraer. The Times of India reported his comments on October 4 and also noted the project’s dependence on the Air Force selection. His criticism is a political assessment of the location decision, not evidence that a completed factory has moved between states. Source: Times of India.

How to judge the next announcement

For readers, three milestones should remain separate: choosing a proposed site, winning the procurement, and starting production. Progress at the first stage does not guarantee the next two. Likewise, an industrial partnership can describe potential opportunities without establishing a final delivery timetable or a confirmed number of jobs.

The useful questions now concern the eventual contract decision, the work assigned to Indian suppliers, and the timetable for facilities and training. Those details would show how much lasting capability the project creates. Until they are settled, Nagpur should be described as the selected location for a conditional proposal, rather than an operating aircraft factory.