S. Korea Signs MOU With Embraer
EMBRAER and South Korea’s arms agency–the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see both sides partnering on new businesses and market development opportunities in the defence sector of South Korea.
The agreement was signed on the opening day of ADEX 2025 between DAPA Director of the Aircraft Business Division Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, and Embraer Defense & Security President & CEO Bosco da Costa Jr.
“This MOU will serve as a significant opportunity for Korea and Brazil to move beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship and toward a model of mutual growth cooperation,” said Brig Gen Kang. “Through strategic cooperation with Embraer, DAPA will actively support the entry of Korean companies into the overseas supply chain and the expansion of Korean defence exports.”
Da Costa Jr. added, “The MoU reflects the growing partnership between Embraer and DAPA. It leverages on Embraer Defense & Security’s comprehensive capabilities across air, land, sea and space domains to explore avenues for collaboration, innovation and support South Korea’s evolving defence needs.”
In 2023, DAPA selected the C-390 Millennium for its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) public tender, providing the ROKAF with new military transport aircraft. The C-390 will be specially configured to meet ROKAF’s requirements, along with comprehensive services and support, including training, ground support equipment, and spare parts.This agreement features a robust industrial cooperation program, with significant C-390 components that are manufactured in South Korea by local aerospace partners ASTG, EMK, and Kencoa Aerospace, strengthening the capabilities of South Korea’s defence industrial base and Korea-Brazil aerospace ties.
Embraer’s global supply chain has provided Korean companies with benefits since the launch of its E-Jets E2 commercial aircraft programme in 2013. Last month, Embraer and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) held a week-long roadshow in Sacheon and Busan which included visits and seminars aimed at identifying areas of further collaboration between Embraer and Korean firms.
International momentum for the C-390 Millennium has been growing, with the aircraft being picked by 10 other air forces in addition to South Korea. The Portuguese Air Force, an existing operator of the C-390, recently signed for the acquisition of a sixth C-390 and the inclusion of ten new purchase options for potential acquisitions by future partner nations.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:EMBRAER)