Portugal signs for sixth KC390 Millennium to reinforce airlift and multi mission operations
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According to information released by Embraer on June 16, 2025, during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, Portugal has confirmed the acquisition of a sixth KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. Delivery is expected in 2029. This new order expands the fleet of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), complementing the five aircraft previously ordered under the 2019 contract, and supports the full replacement of the aging C-130H Hercules fleet.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The KC-390 Millennium, developed by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, is a next-generation tactical airlifter built for speed, payload capacity, and mission flexibility (Picture source: Alexandro Dias published on Wikimedia)
The KC-390 Millennium, developed by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, is a next-generation tactical airlifter built for speed, payload capacity, and mission flexibility. Designed to operate in demanding environments, it performs a broad array of missions including strategic and tactical cargo transport, paratrooper and cargo airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, aerial refueling (as both tanker and receiver), and firefighting. Capable of lifting to 26 tons or transporting 80 fully equipped troops, it can take off from semi-prepared airstrips and is equipped with fly-by-wire controls, NATO-compliant avionics, and advanced self-protection systems.
In comparison to the C-130H Hercules it replaces, the KC-390 represents a significant performance upgrade. The C-130H, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, offers a lower payload capacity of approximately 19 tons and a slower cruise speed near 540 km/h. The twin-engine KC-390 surpasses this with a maximum cruise speed over 870 km/h and increased cargo volume. It also introduces modernized systems such as digital flight controls and enhanced onboard avionics, allowing for safer, more efficient, and more interoperable operations in multinational contexts.
Since entering Portuguese service in 2023, the KC-390 has demonstrated outstanding mission reliability with a 99% success rate and low operational costs, reinforcing the country’s confidence in its capabilities. The sixth aircraft further extends Portugal’s ability to contribute to national and NATO missions, providing a modern airlift solution that is responsive to a wide range of military and civilian operational requirements.
The agreement is also expected to include ten additional purchase options intended for resale to other NATO or EU member states under government-to-government arrangements. This framework is designed to streamline regional procurement, strengthen interoperability among KC-390 operators, and reduce costs through shared training, logistical support, and long-term maintenance synergies.
Portugal’s national KC-390 training center will serve as a hub for future allied operators, consolidating the country’s role as a strategic facilitator of the aircraft’s integration in Europe. Embraer emphasized that this repeat order from Portugal, the first follow-on purchase by any KC-390 customer, reflects growing interest in the platform among Western air forces.
With its superior performance, rapid reconfiguration capability, and readiness for joint operations, the KC-390 Millennium stands as a robust and modern alternative to legacy tactical airlifters. This latest acquisition affirms Portugal’s commitment to expanding its strategic mobility and reinforcing its contributions to collective defense and multinational humanitarian missions.
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According to information released by Embraer on June 16, 2025, during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, Portugal has confirmed the acquisition of a sixth KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. Delivery is expected in 2029. This new order expands the fleet of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), complementing the five aircraft previously ordered under the 2019 contract, and supports the full replacement of the aging C-130H Hercules fleet.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The KC-390 Millennium, developed by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, is a next-generation tactical airlifter built for speed, payload capacity, and mission flexibility (Picture source: Alexandro Dias published on Wikimedia)
The KC-390 Millennium, developed by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, is a next-generation tactical airlifter built for speed, payload capacity, and mission flexibility. Designed to operate in demanding environments, it performs a broad array of missions including strategic and tactical cargo transport, paratrooper and cargo airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, aerial refueling (as both tanker and receiver), and firefighting. Capable of lifting to 26 tons or transporting 80 fully equipped troops, it can take off from semi-prepared airstrips and is equipped with fly-by-wire controls, NATO-compliant avionics, and advanced self-protection systems.
In comparison to the C-130H Hercules it replaces, the KC-390 represents a significant performance upgrade. The C-130H, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, offers a lower payload capacity of approximately 19 tons and a slower cruise speed near 540 km/h. The twin-engine KC-390 surpasses this with a maximum cruise speed over 870 km/h and increased cargo volume. It also introduces modernized systems such as digital flight controls and enhanced onboard avionics, allowing for safer, more efficient, and more interoperable operations in multinational contexts.
Since entering Portuguese service in 2023, the KC-390 has demonstrated outstanding mission reliability with a 99% success rate and low operational costs, reinforcing the country’s confidence in its capabilities. The sixth aircraft further extends Portugal’s ability to contribute to national and NATO missions, providing a modern airlift solution that is responsive to a wide range of military and civilian operational requirements.
The agreement is also expected to include ten additional purchase options intended for resale to other NATO or EU member states under government-to-government arrangements. This framework is designed to streamline regional procurement, strengthen interoperability among KC-390 operators, and reduce costs through shared training, logistical support, and long-term maintenance synergies.
Portugal’s national KC-390 training center will serve as a hub for future allied operators, consolidating the country’s role as a strategic facilitator of the aircraft’s integration in Europe. Embraer emphasized that this repeat order from Portugal, the first follow-on purchase by any KC-390 customer, reflects growing interest in the platform among Western air forces.
With its superior performance, rapid reconfiguration capability, and readiness for joint operations, the KC-390 Millennium stands as a robust and modern alternative to legacy tactical airlifters. This latest acquisition affirms Portugal’s commitment to expanding its strategic mobility and reinforcing its contributions to collective defense and multinational humanitarian missions.
