Embraer KC-390

[Harald]

Portugese KC-390 vervoerde een Blackhawk uit de VS naar Portugal

https://emfa.pt/noticia-5025-

[Harald]

Embraer to showcase multi-mission medium transport KC-390 Millennium at LIMA 2025

Embraer will display its KC-390 Millennium, the most advanced multi-mission tactical airlift in its class, at the 17th edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) from 20 to 24 May 2025. This marks Embraer's increasing momentum for its defense portfolio in Southeast Asia. Visitors to Embraer's booth (C013) and the outdoor static display area will be shown how this advanced, new generation multi-mission aircraft which entered into service in 2019 is redefining the concept of medium transport aircraft across the world.

"Embraer is proud to bring the KC-390 to LIMA 2025. It is a new generation military airlift with multi-mission capability, interoperability, reliability, low life-cycle cost, and high performance at its core. The aircraft is gaining traction around the world, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the Asia Pacific region," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.

The KC-390 is a new generation multi-mission aircraft designed and built to take on the demands of the 21st century operating environment. The aircraft is the most advanced in its class and flies faster (470kts) and further on a standard crew duty day. It also carries more cargo (26 tons) compared to other medium sized military cargo aircraft. It is powered by IAE V2500 engines.

.../...

https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207565-embraer-to-showcase-multi-mission-medium-transport-kc-390-millennium-at-lima-2025

[Harald]

Braziliaanse militaire vliegtuigen voor Marokko ?

https://www.bladna.nl/braziliaanse-militaire-vliegtuigen-marokko,62978.html

Een delegatie van het Braziliaanse luchtvaartbedrijf Embraer is momenteel in Marokko. Het voornaamste doel van dit bezoek is het versnellen van de onderhandelingen over de mogelijke verkoop van KC-390 Millennium militaire transportvliegtuigen aan de Koninklijke Marokkaanse Luchtmacht.

[Harald]

Greece could purchase Brazilian C-390 transport aircraft to replace its US-made C-130 Hercules.

As reported by OnAlert on April 22, 2025, the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium has been formally included in Greece's Long-Term Defence Procurement Program as a candidate to replace the aging US-made C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). The Air Force General Staff has recommended the initial acquisition of at least three C-390s, with an option for additional aircraft in subsequent phases. This potential procurement is structured within a 12-year defense planning framework. However, its implementation is scheduled for the end of the decade, as current priorities include the ongoing upgrade of 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Viper configuration.

Until the introduction of new transport aircraft, Greece intends to maintain operational capability using a limited number of existing C-130s and the C-27J Spartan fleet. The C-27Js are set to undergo upgrades, and a new five-year Follow-On Support contract is planned for 2026. Despite ongoing efforts by the HAF, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), and the 356th Tactical Transport Squadron "Hercules," availability rates for the C-130 remain low. As of early 2025, four aircraft are operational, with a possible fifth expected to return to service in the coming months. Greece had previously submitted a request to the United States for decommissioned C-130s, but these were deemed unsuitable due to restoration costs. A new request has since been filed for operational surplus aircraft, some of which are expected to become available in 2025.

Interest in the C-390 Millennium has increased since 2023. Embraer presented the aircraft to the HAF on January 25, June 26, and November 22 of that year, including static displays and flight evaluations at Elefsis Air Base. Greek personnel conducted familiarization flights and participated in demonstrations of cargo loading procedures. On February 20, 2025, senior Greek political and military officials attended another static presentation at Elefsis, followed by briefings on the aircraft's technical features and potential acquisition cost. These evaluations are part of a broader assessment process that includes the C-130J and second-hand Hercules options.

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine jet-powered tactical transport aircraft with a cargo hold measuring 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. Its maximum payload capacity is 26,000 kilograms, and it can transport up to 80 fully equipped troops, 74 stretchers, or vehicles such as two M113 armored personnel carriers or one Sikorsky H-60 helicopter. It is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each producing 31,330 pounds of thrust. These engines are also used in the Airbus A320 commercial fleet, with over 7,200 units produced globally. This commonality is expected to lower maintenance costs and simplify logistics.

In performance terms, the C-390 has a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of Mach 0.8. It can fly 5,500 kilometers with a 15-ton payload and operates at a service ceiling of 36,000 feet. In comparison, the C-130J has a top speed of 670 km/h, a 3,300-kilometer range with similar payload, and a ceiling of 29,000 feet. The C-390's cargo bay is designed without internal landing gear sponsons, unlike the C-130, which reduces usable internal width in certain configurations. The external design of the landing gear compartments in the C-390 allows for a wider and higher cargo hold, enabling the transport of larger-volume equipment.

The aircraft supports a range of missions including cargo transport, troop transport, aeromedical evacuation, aerial refueling, and firefighting. It is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics, fly-by-wire flight controls, directional infrared countermeasures, and continuously computed drop point systems. It can be configured quickly for different missions using modular kits. The aircraft received its initial certification under civil aviation regulations (14 CFR Part 25), followed by military certification, and has operated from semi-prepared or damaged runways.

Greece is one of several NATO and European countries considering or selecting the C-390. Confirmed customers include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, and South Korea. Morocco has received one aircraft for evaluation. Slovakia selected the type in December 2024, and deliveries are scheduled for 2025 and beyond. Sweden confirmed the purchase of four aircraft in April 2025 following a selection process that began in November 2024. Other countries currently in negotiation or expressing interest include Poland, Finland, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Angola, India, Egypt, Colombia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, and Rwanda.

In recent months, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands agreed to conduct a joint procurement for NATO special missions involving nine modified C-390 aircraft. Portugal, which joined the program in 2010 and received its first unit in October 2022, is participating in the development of a new ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) variant designated C-390 IVR. This version will integrate synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, advanced communication systems, and external payload hardpoints, with a modular roll-on/roll-off configuration to maintain flexibility across missions. These developments were announced at the LAAD 2025 defense exhibition, where cooperation agreements between Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force were formalized.

The aircraft has been used in multiple roles by the Brazilian Air Force, including humanitarian operations in Lebanon, Haiti, and Ukraine; disaster relief missions during the COVID-19 pandemic; supply flights to Antarctica; and international exercises such as Salitre IV and Culminating in the United States. The operational fleet has reported readiness levels above 93% and mission success rates above 99%. The cost per unit is estimated at approximately €80 million, with operational costs considered lower than those of the C-130J due to engine commonality and commercial-standard maintenance procedures.

The current number of aircraft ordered by various countries has reached 35, with projections of up to 120 more under negotiation. Greece has been listed among these potential buyers, with six aircraft under consideration. The Ministry of National Defence has not announced a final decision, but the C-390 Millennium remains one of the two leading candidates under evaluation, alongside second-hand or new C-130Js. No official procurement has been signed, and timelines remain dependent on budget allocations.

Greece's transport aviation needs include not only tactical lift but also support for medical evacuation and firefighting operations. These mission profiles are among the roles supported by the C-390. The aircraft was introduced to Greek authorities as early as November 2023, when it was evaluated as part of a replacement plan for the C-130 fleet. Embraer's engagement with Greece is part of a broader marketing campaign in Europe, supported by cooperation agreements with European industry partners and national governments.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/greece-could-purchase-brazilian-c-390-transport-aircraft-to-replace-its-us-made-c-130-hercules

[Harald]

officiële berichtgeving via Zweedse Defensie

https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/internationellt-samarbete-om-nytt-taktiskt-transportflygsystem/

Internationale samenwerking op het gebied van een nieuw tactisch transportvliegtuigsysteem

Het huidige Zweedse tactische transportvliegtuigsysteem TP84 (C-130H) zal over niet al te lange tijd zijn technische levensduur bereiken. Om te voorzien in de behoefte van de krijgsmacht aan tactische transportluchtvaartcapaciteit, is Zweden, via FMV, een bestaande samenwerking op materieelgebied aangegaan met Nederland en Oostenrijk.

Voor het Zweedse deel is de samenwerking gericht op de aanschaf van een nieuw tactisch transportvliegtuigsysteem gebaseerd op het type Embraer C-390M. De aanbesteding vindt plaats met Nederland als agent en vertegenwoordiger van de andere landen.

Door de inkoop samen met Nederland en Oostenrijk te doen, die ook de bijbehorende vliegtuigen aanschaffen, is de order voordeliger en kan het toestel sneller geleverd worden dan wanneer FMV de inkoop zelf zou doen.

Zweden sluit zich aan bij de samenwerking omdat de partijen hebben ingestemd met het opnemen van Zweden in het bestaande Memorandum van Overeenstemming (MOU) dat de samenwerking op het gebied van aanbestedingen tussen Nederland en Oostenrijk reguleert.

[Ace1]

While Netanyahu is visiting Hungary, a brand new Hungarian AF E390 is landing Israel

https://x.com/avischarf/status/1907784480091193846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1907784480091193846%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=


Zou Israël ook een toekomstige klant van de KC-390 kunnen worden ?
Vervanging van hun C-130J Super Hercules toestellen, Israël heeft er nu 7 stuks
De J versie is in 2014 geleverd

De VS betaald toch de rekening voor Israël als deze rechtsreeks aankopen doen bij de defensie-industrie in de VS. Kan het niet zo zijn dat Hongarije wapens heeft gekocht in Israël en dat de C-390 voor transport wordt ingezet om deze wapens op te komen halen?

[Harald]

While Netanyahu is visiting Hungary, a brand new Hungarian AF E390 is landing Israel

https://x.com/avischarf/status/1907784480091193846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1907784480091193846%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=


Zou Israël ook een toekomstige klant van de KC-390 kunnen worden ?
Vervanging van hun C-130J Super Hercules toestellen, Israël heeft er nu 7 stuks
De J versie is in 2014 geleverd

[Ace1]

Embraer Considers Establishing Workline for C-390 Millennium in Poland to Meet European Air Force Demands.

To expand its footprint in Europe, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has announced plans to set up a final assembly line for its C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft in Poland. This move is intended to address the increasing demand from various European air forces for advanced airlift capabilities.

In addition to advancing the C-390 Millennium program, Embraer aims to establish Poland as an aerospace excellence hub. The initiative will focus on the assembly, maintenance, repair, and conversion of commercial E2 aircraft, including transforming the E190 into a freighter. This will further strengthen aerospace cooperation between the two nations.

Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO and President of Embraer, emphasized, "These initiatives in manufacturing, maintenance, and training could position the Polish economy to capitalize on high-value opportunities in the global aerospace sector, potentially generating $3 billion in value for Poland over the next 10 years and creating 5,000 jobs."

A key component of this plan is establishing the final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium, an aircraft already in service with several European nations. According to Embraer's official statement, "The assembly of aircraft and the associated aftersales ecosystem (including maintenance and training) could generate up to $1 billion in value and create around 600 jobs." Embraer views Poland as the ideal strategic partner for manufacturing this model, given the country's membership in NATO and its strong defense industry.

Meanwhile, the C-390 Millennium continues to gain traction in the European market. The Portuguese Air Force currently operates the aircraft and has further strengthened its cooperation with Embraer, becoming the first operator after the Brazilian Air Force. Embraer's presence in Portugal has been reinforced through a partnership with OGMA, a company involved in the production of the A-29N Super Tucano, which will be used by the Portuguese Air Force. OGMA has also been designated as the maintenance and modification center for customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Production of the second C-390 for the Hungarian Air Force is underway at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto. These units will be the first to include a dedicated intensive care unit (ICU), enhancing their capability for medical evacuation and humanitarian missions. Additionally, Embraer confirmed the commencement of structural assembly for the first C-390 intended for the Austrian Air Force last month.

The C-390 Millennium has also been selected by the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Slovakia, further solidifying its position in the European tactical transport market. These agreements strengthen Embraer's presence in Europe and enhance the interoperability of the aircraft with allied forces.


https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/embraer-considers-establishing-workline-for-c-390-millennium-in-poland-to-meet-european-air-force-demands

[Ace1]

Embraer begins production of Austria's first C-390 Millennium

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, February 14, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, has officially begun the structural assembly of the first C-390 Millennium for Austria. This major step took place during an official ceremony held at the Gavião Peixoto production facility in the presence of a delegation of representatives from the Austrian government.

"We're thrilled to start production of first aircraft for Austria and we look forward to delivering the first aircraft to the Austrian Air Force soon. The C-390 is setting new standards as a medium airlift, truly multi-mission aircraft. It offers an unbeatable combination of the latest technology, reliability, and low operational costs, with unmatched performance", said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

With a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and state-of-the-art systems, the C-390 is the best aircraft in its class. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold equipped with a rear ramp and robust landing gear enable it to carry out the most demanding missions, including unpaved runways. A true strategic asset for its end users, the C-390 Millennium can perform a wide range of military and civilian missions such as cargo transport, personnel and vehicles, peacekeeping operations, special operations, humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, air-to-air refueling, and disaster management.

The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case also by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet of aircraft in operation has accumulated more than 16,300 flight hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.

In addition to Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, the Netherlands announced their choice for the Millennium in 2022. In 2023, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Republic of Korea also selected the C-390, confirming the success of this game-changer platform. In 2024, Sweden, Slovakia and an Undisclosed Customer also opted for the C-390.

https://embraer.com/global/en/news/1000?slug=1207522-embraer-begins-production-of-austrias-first-c-390-millennium

[Harald]

Als Nederland zou aanhaken, dan moeten Oostenrijk en Zweden ook hierin meegaan. In het bericht van Defensie staat dat de C-390M voor de genoemde drie landen dezelfde configuratie hebben.

Dat zou mooi zijn, maar hoeft natuurlijk niet perse

Zweden heeft natuurlijk ook zijn eigen middelen al zoals bijvoorbeeld hun S 100B Argus (Saab 340 AEW&C) en S102B Korpen (Gulfstream IV ELINT)

Maar ik denk voor Nederland wel interessante ontwikkeling om mee te doen, eventueel dat er nog andere "taken" ontwikkeld zullen worden via een Roll-On Roll-Off systeem.



Portuguese Air Force joins Embraer and The Brazilian Air Force studies to provide KC-390 with ISR capabilities

Cooperation is aimed at developing a modular mission system to allow the KC-390 to perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 01, 2025 – The Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) officially announced its intention to join Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3), a global aerospace leader, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in collaborative studies to identify potential adaptations to the current KC-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical airlift to perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The announcement took place today at a ceremony during LAAD Defense & Security exhibition with the presence of General João Cartaxo Alves, Commander of the Portuguese Air Force; Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force; Francisco Gomes Neto, president and CEO of Embraer; and Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

During the ceremony, a concept image of the modular ISR roll-on/roll-off mission system currently under development was presented. This solution will allow the KC-390 to perform ISR missions while maintaining all its multi-mission capabilities.

"The collaborative work with Embraer is evolving efficiently and in a structured manner, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the KC-390 Millennium for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force. We see a great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. The Brazilian Air Force welcomes the Portuguese Air Force in joining this study, bringing their knowledge and experience to enhance the potential solution," said Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Brazilian Air Force Commander."

.../...

https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207540-portuguese-air-force-joins-embraer-and-the-brazilian-air-force-studies-to-provide-kc-390-with-isr-capabilities

[Sparkplug]

Laat Nederland ook gelijk maar aanhaken bij dit project.

Als Nederland zou aanhaken, dan moeten Oostenrijk en Zweden ook hierin meegaan. In het bericht van Defensie staat dat de C-390M voor de genoemde drie landen dezelfde configuratie hebben.

[Harald]

Laat Nederland ook gelijk maar aanhaken bij dit project.

https://www.pilootenvliegtuig.nl/2025/04/02/portugal-haakt-aan-bij-studie-naar-meer-taken-voor-c-390/

Portugal haakt aan bij studie over meer taken C-390

De Portugese luchtmacht (PRT AF) gaat zich aansluiten bij Embraer en de Braziliaanse luchtmacht (FAB) om in gezamenlijke studies mogelijke nieuwe rollen te identificeren voor de (K)C-390 Millennium. De aankondiging vond plaats tijdens een ceremonie tijdens de miltaire vakbeurs LAAD Defense & Security.

Embraer en de Braziliaanse luchtmacht kondigden in april 2024 samen te onderzoeken welke toestellen gebruikt kunnen worden voor Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missies. Daarbij werd de C-390 Millennium met name genoemd.

[Ace1]

Overigens zijn de C-130J's van Denemarken en Noorwegen ook al oude beestjes aan het worden.

https://investors.lockheedmartin.com/news-releases/news-release-details/denmark-accepts-three-new-lockheed-martin-c-130j-aircraft/

https://investors.lockheedmartin.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lockheed-martin-receives-additional-c-130-order/

https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2007-11-07-Lockheed-Martin-Receives-Contract-for-C-130J-Super-Hercules-Airlifters-for-Norway

https://defence-industry.eu/marshall-aerospace-extends-support-contracts-for-danish-and-norwegian-c-130j-fleets/

[Ace1]

Daar heb ik me dus ook al over verbaasd.

Maar wel interessant over de manier hoe de deal gesloten is via het NL contract.
Mooie samenwerking.
Ook goed voor NL industrie.

Ik hoop dat de Zweden door de deal geen vertraging veroorzaken van de levering van de Nederlandse C-390's?
Wellicht kan defensie net als Oostenrijk een prototype  van de C-390 lenen of leasen?

[Harald]

Zweden heeft 5 C-130's en een KC-130. Dan is 4 C-390's weinig.

Daar heb ik me dus ook al over verbaasd.

Maar wel interessant over de manier hoe de deal gesloten is via het NL contract.
Mooie samenwerking.
Ook goed voor NL industrie.