Embraer and Portugal have signed an amendment to the current contract for the acquisition of the sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft and the inclusion of 10 new purchase options for potential acquisitions by future partner nations. The agreement is part of the process of modernising the capabilities of the Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF), with the aim of supporting the operations of the Armed Forces and increasing readiness in missions of public interest.
“The acquisition of the sixth KC-390 significantly enhances the strategic and operational capabilities of the Portuguese Air Force by substantially increasing the availability of tactical and logistical transport. This fleet expansion equips Portugal with a robust and flexible platform, enabling rapid and effective response to a broad spectrum of missions, encompassing both military operations and civilian emergency support, at national and international levels. Furthermore, the contract addendum, that includes ten purchase options, will strengthen Air Base No. 11 as a specialized training center, consolidating it as a center of excellence for the training of KC-390 pilots and operators. Notably, as the first NATO member to operate this aircraft, Portugal benefits from the advanced expertise of its Air Force personnel, which is essential for knowledge sharing and cooperation with other allied operators,” said General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force.
“The signing of this contract, the first of its kind by an operator, demonstrates the recognition of the quality, operational efficiency and multi-mission capability of our aircraft,” said Bosco da Costa Júnior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Portugal becomes a benchmark for European nations and NATO members looking for a state-of-the-art aircraft to equip and modernise their fleets.”
Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet in operation demonstrates exceptional productivity in its category. To date, this 21st-century aircraft has been chosen by 11 Air Forces around the world, including eight European countries and seven NATO members.
The KC-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being able to perform a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft can also be configured with air-to-air refueling equipment (AAR), both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390, using pods installed under the wings.
Embraer unveils KC-390 Millennium demonstrator with new visual identity
Embraer has presented the new visual identity of the KC-390 Millennium demonstrator aircraft. Held in Confins, Minas Gerais, the event took place at GOL Aerotech’s facilities, where the aircraft received its new livery. This presentation celebrates the extremely positive momentum of the KC-390 Program through a new and striking visual identity, which reflects the characteristics that have led the Millennium to solidify its position as a global leader in the medium segment of military tactical transport.
“This new visual identity represents an important milestone in the history of the KC-390 Millennium, the multi-mission aircraft of the 21st century. Its unbeatable combination of speed, agility, robustness, reliability, technology and efficiency—unique in the segment—not only strengthens the defense capabilities of its operators, but also promotes strategic interoperability among allied nations,” said Bosco da Costa Júnior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Driven by growing global interest in the KC-390 Millennium, Embraer Defense & Security will intensify marketing and demonstrations to potential customers using the new visual identity, with the first international appearance taking place by the end of this year. The painting of the demonstrator aircraft at GOL Aerotech’s facilities also opens up the possibility of future painting of customers’ aircraft, in addition to the expansion of Embraer’s production capacity to meet the global demand for the KC-390.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission completion rate of more than 99%, highlighting exceptional productivity in its category. To date, the 21st-century aircraft has been chosen by 11 Air Forces around the world, including eight European countries and seven NATO members.
The KC-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting and humanitarian missions, and operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
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