Embraer, a leading global aerospace company, announced at the 55th Paris Air Show that the Portuguese government has decided to acquire a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft. The original contract, signed in August 2019, included five KC-390s. With this potential addition, the Portuguese Air Force’s (FAP) transport fleet will now expand to six of these next-generation multi-role aircraft, further enhancing Portugal’s ability to support both military and public service missions.
Additionally, Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force plan to incorporate ten purchase options into the current agreement. These options could support future acquisitions by European or NATO member countries through the Portuguese State via government-to-government arrangements. This approach is expected to promote greater interoperability among KC-390 operators, while also reducing costs related to training, logistics, and life-cycle support, and further strengthening the Portuguese aerospace sector.
The KC-390 Millennium is capable of executing a wide variety of missions, including cargo and troop transport, aeromedical evacuation, aerial refueling (as both tanker and receiver), search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, humanitarian aid, and maritime patrol. The aircraft can operate from short and semi-prepared runways and is well-suited to Portugal’s operational needs.
The KC-390 has proven to be highly reliable, achieving a 99% mission completion rate while maintaining low operating costs. Its multi-mission versatility and built-in interoperability make it a powerful and adaptable asset for modern air forces.
