Embraer C-390 Soars At ADEX 2025

BRAZIL’S Embraer will return to Seoul ADEX 2025 and showcase its defence and security portfolio including the C-390 Millennium, which has seen gaining momentum across the globe with several deals for the aircraft signed by Sweden and Portugal. The C-390 was also selected by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in 2023 for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) public tender.

“Our presence at ADEX is a reflection of our strong commitment to Korea’s defence industry,” said Embraer Defense & Security President & CEO Bosco da Costa Junior, “The C-390 aircraft for South Korea are advancing as planned and we value the close cooperation we have with DAPA, ROKAF and our Korean suppliers on this project.”

The C-390 Millennium aircraft 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.

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 Millennium aircraft and the inclusion of ten new purchase options for potential acquisitions by future partner nations.

Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission completion rate of more than 99%, highlighting exceptional productivity in its category.

The C-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting and humanitarian missions, and operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refuelling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

Last month, the KC-390 Millennium demonstrator aircraft received a new look featuring a new livery which celebrates the extremely positive momentum of the KC-390 Programme through a new and striking visual identity. It reflects the characteristics that have led the KC-390 to solidify its position as a global leader in the medium segment of military tactical transport.

Driven by growing global interest in the KC-390, Embraer Defense & Security will intensify marketing and demonstrations to potential customers using the new visual identity, with the first international appearance taking place by the end of this year.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:EMBRAER)