Portugal has revealed its plan to adopt a sixth KC-390 Millennium from Embraer as part of the country’s heavy military aerial transport modernization.
The decision builds on a 2019 deal between Lisbon and the Brazilian defense contractor to replace the Portuguese Air Force’s aging C-130 Hercules cargo planes with a new fleet.
Alongside the new order, the NATO customer intends to acquire up to 10 unit options on top of the existing deal in support of its future negotiations with other alliance members and European partners.
Portugal currently employs two KC-390s, with the first delivered in 2022 and the second in 2024.
“The acquisition of the sixth KC-390 by the [Portuguese Air Force]…will be the first additional purchase by an operator, which demonstrates the recognition of the quality and operational results that this aircraft has achieved,” Embraer CEO and President Bosco da Costa Jr. remarked.
“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.”
The KC-390 Millennium
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is 35 meters (115 feet) long, has a payload capacity of 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds) or up to 80 personnel, and can carry up to 35,000 kilograms (77,162 pounds) of fuel.
The system is powered by twin IAE V2500-E5 turbofans and can be armed with an electronic warfare suite, self-protection, and countermeasures against airborne missiles.
It travels at over 500 knots (926 kilometers/575 miles per hour), has a range of 4,570 nautical miles (8,464 kilometers/5,259 miles), and a service ceiling of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet).
