“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 modernize their fleets.”
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. To date, the aircraft has been selected by 11 Air Forces, including eight European countries and seven NATO members.
The KC-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload, fly at 470 knots and operate across a wide range of missions. These include transport and airdrop of cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian operations, with the ability to use temporary or unpaved runways, as well as conducting air-to-air refuelling as both tanker and receiver.
