Portugal signs an amendment to the existing contract for the acquisition of the sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft

Embraer and the Portuguese State signed the amendment to the current contract for the acquisition of the sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft and the inclusion of ten new purchase options for potential acquisitions by future partner nations. The agreement is part of the process of modernizing the capabilities of the Portuguese Air Force, with the aim of supporting the operations of the Armed Forces and increasing readiness in missions of public interest. 

“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.

Bosco da Costa Júnior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security commented: "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. 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 operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet in operation demonstrates exceptional productivity in its category. To date, this 21st-century aircraft has been chosen by 11 Air Forces around the world, including eight European countries and seven NATO members.

The KC-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being able to perform a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft can also be configured with air-to-air refueling equipment (AAR), both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390, using pods installed under the wings.