Portugul has decided to acquire a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft, Embraer announced on the opening day of the ongoing Paris Air Show.
In August 2019, Portugal and Embraer signed a contract for the acquisition of five KC-390 aircraft, and with this potential additional acquisition, the Portuguese Air Force's (FAP) transport fleet will include six new-generation KC-390 aircraft.
Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force intend to include ten purchase options in the current contract for potential future acquisitions by European nations or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members through the Portuguese State, in government-to-government negotiations. This will allow for increased interoperability and cooperation with new operators of the KC-390 aircraft, with benefits in reducing costs associated with training, logistical support, and life cycle, as well as the growing involvement and development of the Portuguese aeronautical cluster.
"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 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.
The KC-390 Millennium can perform a wide range of missions, such as cargo and troop transport and airdrops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid and disaster response (HADR), firefighting and aerial refueling (AAR), both as a tanker and receiver. In addition, the KC-390 Millennium can support maritime surveillance and SAR operations, increasing its range and loitering time through in-flight refueling. Its ability to operate from short runways and refuel other aircraft is critical to meeting Portugal's defense requirements.
The aircraft has achieved an excellent 99% mission completion rate with low operating costs.
