Embraer, a leading global aerospace company, announced at the 55th Paris Air Show that Portugal has decided to acquire a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft. The original contract, signed in August 2019, covered five KC-390 aircraft for the Portuguese Air Force (FAP). With this additional acquisition, FAP’s transport fleet will expand to six next-generation KC-390s, enhancing its ability to carry out both military and public service missions.
Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force also plan to incorporate ten purchase options in the existing contract, which could allow future sales to European or NATO member countries through the Portuguese government via government-to-government agreements. This strategy would boost interoperability among KC-390 operators, lower training and logistics costs, and support the continued growth of Portugal’s aeronautical industry.
The KC-390 Millennium is a versatile aircraft capable of executing a broad range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, aerial firefighting, and air-to-air refueling. It can also support maritime surveillance and search and rescue with extended endurance through in-flight refueling. Designed for short runway operations and capable of refueling other aircraft, the KC-390 is well-suited to Portugal’s defense needs.
With a 99% mission completion rate and low operating costs, the KC-390 offers multi-mission flexibility and built-in interoperability to support the full range of missions required by modern air forces.
