• Sixth aircraft will allow for the expansion of
Portuguese Air Force capabilities

• Ten new options may be used in future
acquisitions by other European nations and
NATO members

Embraer a global leader in the aerospace industry,
announced today during the 55th edition of the Paris Air
Show that the Portuguese State has decided to acquire a
sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft. In August 2019, the
government of 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 newgeneration KC-390 aircraft, expanding its capacity to fulfill
the missions of the Armed Forces and other missions of
public interest.
Additionally, 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 governmentto-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.
“We are extremely honored with the possibility to expand
our partnership with the Portuguese Air Force and the
Portuguese State. 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 KC390,” 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. Its multi-mission
capability and interoperability are integrated by design,
thus enabling the aircraft to be ready to fulfill all types of
missions required by the Air Forces.