ADJ
THE Hellenic Ministry of National Defense today signed a contract to acquire three KC-390 Millennium with options for an additional three aircraft, produced by Embraer through a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Greece and Portugal.
As part of this landmark agreement, the Hellenic Air Force will receive its first KC-390 Millennium in 2027, enhancing its airlift and air-to-air refuelling (AAR) capabilities while strengthening interoperability with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and allied forces. Greece will also benefit from European synergies in training, support, and logistics.
“We are honoured by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft. This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies. The KC-390’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities” said Embraer Defense & Security President & CEO Bosco Da Costa Junior.
Greece becomes the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The acquisition reflects a growing trend among EU/NATO member states recognising the aircraft’s effectiveness in addressing current and future defence needs. Beyond the European air forces, the KC-390 has also been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia. This next-generation multi-mission aircraft delivers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility and performance, with seamless interoperability, to enhance air forces’ operational capabilities worldwide.
Most recently, Uzbekistan took delivery of their first C-390 before September ended, becoming the first C-390 operator in Central Asia and marked an important milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise and strengthen its air mobility capabilities. Meanwhile, the aircraft is also picking up steam in Southeast Asia, with it being among the candidates for renewed airlift capabilities of countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and possibly even Thailand as well as Vietnam. Malaysia has been looking to replace its five-decade-old fleet of C-130H Hercules while the Philippines could be interested in the Embraer aircraft which pairs well with Saab’s Gripen E/F fighter proposed for the Philippines’ “full package” in its Multi-Role Fighter ambitions.
The KC-390 Millennium is a next-generation military aircraft designed with interoperability as a key requirement, integrating advanced communications, mission systems, and modern digital architecture into a single platform to enable seamless joint and coalition operations. It is among the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment under the designation KC-390 can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver. The Millennium is fully interoperable within the NATO environment and especially suitable for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:EMBRAER)
