Portugal has strengthened its KC-390 Millennium transport fleet through a new deal with Embraer Defense & Security, adding a sixth aircraft and securing options for 10 more units to be made available for NATO partners.
This latest acquisition extends the 2019 agreement signed with the Brazilian aerospace company to replace the Portuguese Air Force’s legacy C-130 Hercules.
The country currently operates two KC-390s—delivered in 2022 and 2024—and will receive three additional units by 2027 under the original five-aircraft contract.
Designed for multi-mission roles, the 35-meter (115-foot) KC-390 supports troop and cargo transport, humanitarian aid, firefighting, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. It can carry 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds) of cargo or 80 personnel, backed by a 35,000-kilogram (77,162-pound) fuel capacity.
Equipped with two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, the aircraft reaches speeds above 500 knots (926 km/h/575 mph), cruises at 11,000 meters (36,089 feet), and has a 4,570-nautical mile (8,464 km/5,259 mile) range.
Optional systems include an electronic warfare suite, self-defense technology, and missile countermeasures.
Since entering service in Brazil (2019), Portugal (2023), and Hungary (2024), the KC-390 has gained traction worldwide, with 11 air forces—seven of them NATO members—choosing the platform for its operational versatility.
