Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) marked a significant day for their long-standing defense partnership with the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft and the successful maiden flight of the new A-29N Super Tucano. These achievements represent important milestones for both the KC-390 and A-29N programs, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its air force capabilities.
The handover of the third KC-390 to the FAP is part of a broader agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government, which calls for a total of six aircraft with an additional ten purchase options available to NATO and allied nations. The KC-390 Millennium is known for its impressive payload capacity of 26 tons, superior speed of 470 knots, and operational versatility. It is capable of performing various missions, from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian support. The aircraft is designed for operations from temporary or semi-prepared runways, a crucial capability for military logistics. The KC-390 also complies fully with NATO standards, making it a highly attractive solution for European and allied defense forces.
The Portuguese Air Force is also spearheading the A-29N Super Tucano program as its launch customer, with 12 aircraft ordered in 2024. The A-29N variant is designed to meet NATO’s stringent operational requirements, equipped with advanced avionics, specialized communications systems, and additional capabilities tailored for alliance missions. The A-29 Super Tucano has already established a solid track record globally, surpassing 600,000 flight hours across 22 air forces, with over 290 units ordered worldwide.
The KC-390 Millennium is already gaining traction among NATO and European allies, with Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania selecting the aircraft to modernize their respective fleets. Including Brazil and South Korea, 11 nations have now opted for this next-generation airlifter.
Meanwhile, the A-29 Super Tucano continues to demonstrate its value as a highly flexible platform for a range of missions, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, tactical coordination, armed reconnaissance, and pilot training.
These achievements mark a new chapter in the Portuguese Air Force’s modernization efforts and further solidify Embraer’s role as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge defense solutions globally.