Embraer has signed an agreement with Greece’s Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) to explore establishing local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.
The twin-engine C-390 is designed for tactical airlift and a wide range of multi-role operations, including cargo transport, troop deployment, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling missions.
If finalized, the partnership would allow Greece to carry out part of the aircraft’s maintenance and sustainment work domestically, potentially improving operational readiness while reducing long-term reliance on overseas support infrastructure.
The arrangement would also strengthen HAI’s role in military aerospace support services. According to Douglas Lobo, Vice President of Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales at Embraer Services & Support, the cooperation would help Embraer expand its footprint in Greece and reinforce its longstanding relationship with the country.
C-390 Millennium’s Expanding European Presence
The agreement comes amid reports that Greece is evaluating the acquisition of the Brazilian-built C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
Reuters reported that Greek officials have not disclosed the number of aircraft under consideration or the potential value of a future procurement deal.
Greece currently operates Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft alongside Leonardo C-27J Spartan tactical airlifters as part of its military airlift fleet. The country is also pursuing a wider military modernization programme, with plans to invest approximately 28 billion euros ($33 billion) by 2036 to upgrade its armed forces.
Embraer has been steadily expanding its European support and logistics network as it seeks to strengthen the C-390’s position in the regional defense market.
The aircraft has already been selected by several European nations, including Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Sweden.
The C-390 Millennium can carry payloads of up to 26 tons (57,320 pounds), features a usable wing fuel capacity of 23.9 metric tons (52,690 pounds), and can achieve a maximum cruise speed of 470 knots (870 kilometers or 540 miles per hour).
