LIMA Debut for Embraer’s KC-390

Our Bureau - : May 19, 2025 - : 11:59 pm

Embraer is displaying its KC-390 Millennium for the first time at the ongoing airshow, marking the type’s debut at LIMA. The KC-390’s participation at the show is also an indication of Embraer’s defence portfolio gaining momentum in Southeast Asia. The KC-390’s combination of multi-mission capability, interoperability, reliability, low life-cycle cost, and high performance is resulting in numerous sales wins for the type, with Sweden and Slovakia recently selecting the KC-390 for their national defence needs.

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 KC-390 is a new generation multi-mission aircraft designed and built to take on the demands of the 21st century operating environment. Capable of performing reliably in Southeast Asia’s diverse terrains and climate, the KC-390 can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, including packed earth, soil and gravel and in conditions ranging from humid to hot and high or cold and dry.

Several defence forces in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia already operate Embraer aircraft. The A-29 Super Tucano aircraft is in service with Indonesia and the Philippines undertaking various missions including Close Air Support and advanced training.

Earlier this month, Embraer concluded a two week long U.S. KC-390 Millennium demonstration tour during which it participated at the Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group (ARSAG) annual conference, in Las Vegas, Nevada; then flying to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida and also participating at the Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week) conference, in Tampa, Florida. The tour concluded with a static display at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

The KC-390 carries more cargo (26 tons) compared to other medium sized military cargo aircraft and flies faster (470kts) and further on a standard crew duty day. It is powered by IAE V2500 engines. The KC-390 has now been in operation for many years and can perform a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian missions, firefighting and air-to-air refueling both as a tanker and a receiver.

The multi-mission aircraft is equipped with a modern and comprehensive suite of sensors and communication equipment that support vital connectivity between aircraft, operational commands, and troops on the ground. It also features a robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system. The aircraft has achieved an outstanding mission availability rate of 99% with low operational costs. Service & support for Embraer’s customers in the region is bolstered by its personnel across APAC, along with its main APAC office and a Regional Distribution Centre for spare parts and components, both in Singapore.

Lima / Kc-390-2 /