Embraer Promotes KC-390 Millennium Capabilities in Japan

Our Bureau - : May 23, 2025 - : 3:37 am

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Embraer is promoting its KC-390 Millennium advanced multi-mission medium airlift and tanker, as the highlight of its defense and security solutions portfolio at the ongoing DSEI. “Embraer's participation in DSEI Japan highlights its long-term vision for the Japanese market and its dedication to delivering modern aerospace solutions that benefit the nation and the broader region,” Embraer stated in a release.

Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice in countries around the world including Europe. The aircraft is already in operation with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been ordered by South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, and Czech Republic. The type was also recently selected by Sweden and Slovakia for their national defence needs. The growing number of KC-390 operators, including NATO nations, fosters greater interoperability with key allies and provides access to a wider pool of operational knowledge and support. South Korea will be receiving its KC-390 Millennium in the near future.

“Embraer is honored to be at DSEI Japan, showcasing the capabilities and reliability of the KC-390 Millennium that attracted a growing number of operators around the world,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “Japan is an important market for Embraer, with our commercial aviation’s E-Jets growing in the country over the past 15 years. Performance and reliability are key features of Embraer’s aircraft across all our business units, and we look forward to supporting Japan’s defense and aerospace needs.”

As per Embraer, the KC-390 Millennium offers a compelling combination of strategic and tactical capabilities, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal solution for meeting Japan's evolving air mobility needs. Its ability to operate across vast distances and integrate seamlessly into joint operations would significantly enhance Japan's capacity to respond to a wide range of challenges. The aircraft has achieved an outstanding mission accomplishment rate of 99% with low operational costs. Its multi-mission capability and interoperability are built-in by design, enabling the aircraft to be ready for all mission profiles by Air Forces.

The KC-390's air-to-air refueling capability further enhances its value as a force multiplier.

The new generation multi-mission 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, which combined with its robust design and ability to operate from short, unpaved, and damaged runways, make it ideal for supporting operations in remote areas and disaster zones with limited infrastructure.

The new-generation transport can also perform a wide range of missions such as transporting and air-dropping cargo and troops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) missions and firefighting. In addition, the KC-390 Millennium can support extended maritime surveillance and SAR operations, with AAR enhancing their reach and on-station time. The KC-390 Millennium's ability to operate from shorter runways and refuel other aircraft is critical for supporting Japan’s defense requirements.

In the last two decades, Embraer has designed, manufactured, certified, and delivered into service, 21 different aircraft platforms – a testament of its engineering capabilities and excellence.

Dsei /

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