The Portuguese Air Force has reinforced its KC-390 Millennium fleet by signing an amendment with Embraer Defense & Security to acquire a sixth aircraft and secure 10 additional purchase options for NATO partners.
The move builds on Portugal’s 2019 deal with the Brazilian aerospace company to replace ageing C-130 Hercules transport planes.
Lisbon currently operates two KC-390s, delivered in 2022 and 2024, with three more under the original five-aircraft contract expected by 2027.
Gen. João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, emphasized that a 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.”
He added that the 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.”
Meanwhile, Embraer Defense & Security CEO and President Bosco da Costa Jr., described the signing as a milestone, noting that Portugal, as the first NATO operator, “positions it as a benchmark for European nations and NATO members looking for a state-of-the-art aircraft to equip and modernize their fleets.”
The 35-meter (115-foot) KC-390 Millennium is designed to perform troop and cargo transport, airdrops, medical evacuations, firefighting, search and rescue, and humanitarian relief missions.
It can carry up to 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds) of cargo or 80 personnel, and has a fuel capacity of 35,000 kilograms (77,162 pounds).
The aircraft is fitted with two IAE V2500-E5 turbofans for a top speed over 500 knots (926 kilometers/575 miles per hour), operational altitude of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet), and a range of 4,570 nautical miles (8,464 kilometers/5,259 miles).
The plane can be armed with an electronic warfare suite, self-protection, and countermeasures against airborne missiles.
Since entering service with Brazil in 2019, Portugal in 2023, and Hungary in 2024, the KC-390 has proven its versatility, with 11 air forces worldwide selecting the platform, including seven NATO members.
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