Embraer delivers 3rd KC-390 to Portuguese Air Force, flies first A-29N flight
Embraer has delivered the third KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and launched the first flight test campaign of the A-29N Super Tucano.
The test also included a historic joint flight of both aircraft.
The FAP’s third KC-390 is part of a total of six aircraft orders with Embraer, with an additional ten purchase options available for allied and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations.
NEWS | Embraer and Portuguese Air Force (@fap_pt ) celebrate major milestones with delivery of third KC-390 and maiden flight of the A-29N, including a historic joint flight of both aircraft. Read full news: https://t.co/MGeX08iZx7 pic.twitter.com/rwevSebtHd— Embraer (@embraer) July 17, 2025 The A-29N is the first of 12 aircraft that was ordered in 2024. This makes Portugal the launch customer for the Super Tucano variant designed to meet NATO requirements.
The KC-390 Millennium offers superior payload capacity (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft. It also flies faster and farther by 470 knots.
The aircraft meets NATO standards and requirements, and is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport and airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.
In addition to Portugal, several European and NATO allies – including Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania –have the KC-390 as part of their air force fleet.
The A-29N Super Tucano variant will feature advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems, and other undisclosed capabilities tailored to meet NATO’s operational needs.
The aircraft can perform a wide array of missions, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, interdiction, JTAC, forward air control (FAC), tactical coordination (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, escort, and training at all levels – from basic to advanced, including transition to air superiority fighters and JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.
Recently, the global A-29 fleet surpassed 600,000 flight hours.
“The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach Full Operational Capability and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform,” said Portuguese Air Force’s Major-General João Nogueira, KC-390 Program Director.
“The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign shows that we are on a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealized by the Portuguese Air Force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,” Nogueira added.
“We are extremely proud to contribute meaningfully to enhancing the FAP’s operational capabilities with both the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defense with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
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The post Embraer delivers 3rd KC-390 to Portuguese Air Force, flies first A-29N flight appeared first on AeroTime.
Embraer has delivered the third KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and launched the first flight…
The post Embraer delivers 3rd KC-390 to Portuguese Air Force, flies first A-29N flight appeared first on AeroTime.
