Portugal officially confirmed on Friday (19) the acquisition of the sixth KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, in an agreement signed with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.
The contract amendment also includes ten additional options, which may be used for future purchases by partner countries.
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The Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves, emphasized that the new aircraft will significantly strengthen the country’s strategic capacity:
“The purchase of the sixth KC-390 greatly strengthens the strategic and operational potential of the Portuguese Air Force, ensuring greater availability for tactical and logistical transport.”
Expansion in Europe
The KC-390 has been consolidating its presence in the European continent. Portugal was the first NATO country to operate the airlifter, followed by Hungary and later other allies. Currently, the aircraft has already been ordered by 11 countries, eight of them in Europe, of which seven are NATO members.
Embraer’s “best-seller”
Designed for tactical transport missions, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, and logistical support, the KC-390 Millennium is considered one of Embraer’s flagship military programs. The model has been gaining ground in the competitive defense market, establishing itself as one of Brazil’s strategic export products.
With this new contract, Portugal expands its fleet and reinforces its role as Embraer’s strategic partner in Europe, while also signaling openness to future acquisitions, whether for its own Air Force or for allied countries.
Source and images: Embraer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
