At the 55th Paris Air Show, Embraer confirmed that the Portuguese government has opted to procure a sixth KC-390 Millennium, expanding its planned fleet. Portugal initially ordered five KC-390s under a 2019 contract, and this potential addition will further strengthen the Portuguese Air Force’s (FAP) transport and mission capabilities across military and civil operations.

Embraer and FAP also intend to include ten optional aircraft in the current agreement, opening the door for future acquisitions by NATO allies or European nations through government-to-government frameworks. This approach would improve interoperability between KC-390 users, drive down training and maintenance costs, and promote growth within Portugal’s aerospace sector.

The KC-390 Millennium is a highly adaptable multi-role aircraft capable of handling troop and cargo transport, airdrop missions, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian relief, aerial firefighting, and air-to-air refueling as both tanker and receiver. The aircraft also supports maritime patrols and can extend its range via in-flight refueling. Its ability to operate from short airstrips and provide tanker support makes it particularly valuable for Portuguese defense needs.

The KC-390 has demonstrated a 99% mission success rate and low lifecycle costs, with its multi-mission design ensuring readiness for a wide array of operational demands.

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