Embraer has sold a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the Portuguese Government for the Portuguese Air Force and it is understood that the Portuguese Government want to add ten options for further aircraft into the contract.
“With this decision, Portugal continues to invest in the capabilities of the Air Force, at a time when it becomes the reference operator of this aircraft, which has unique characteristics, and which was integrated and tested in Portugal. The inclusion of ten purchase options for future government-to-government negotiations will allow other European and NATO nations to acquire, through Portugal, interoperable and versatile platforms, enabling for the continuous development of the Defense Technological and Industrial Base, with the consequent financial return for the country, and the affirmation of the Portuguese Air Force as a partner of excellence in operations and training for example through its KC-390 Training Centre,” said Nuno Melo, Minister of Defence of Portugal.
The KC-390 is designed to perform a number of roles from troop and cargo transport, medieval and Search and Rescue making a versatile tool for the armed forces.
“We are extremely honored with the possibility to expand our partnership with the Portuguese Air Force and the Portuguese State. The acquisition of the sixth KC-390 by the FAP, which has been operating the aircraft since 2023, will be the first additional purchase by an operator, which demonstrates the recognition of the quality and operational results that this aircraft has achieved. The interest in placing additional options on the contract is confirmation that more Western countries may very soon join this group of operators, benefiting all of them in economic synergies throughout the life cycle of the KC-390,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
