Embraer announced during the 55th Paris Air Show that Portugal has decided to acquire an additional KC-390 Millennium, bringing its future fleet to six aircraft. The original contract signed in August 2019 covered five KC-390s for the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), and this potential sixth unit will further enhance Portugal’s air transport and operational capabilities for both defense and public service roles.
The updated agreement between Embraer and FAP also proposes adding ten optional units to facilitate future government-to-government sales to NATO members or European nations. This would strengthen collaboration among KC-390 operators, reduce shared training and logistics costs, and further stimulate Portugal’s aerospace industry.
Renowned for its versatility, the KC-390 Millennium can perform diverse missions including troop and cargo transport, airdrops, aeromedical evacuations, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, firefighting, and air-to-air refueling. The aircraft is capable of both tanker and receiver roles and can also support maritime surveillance missions with extended endurance via in-flight refueling. Its short takeoff and landing capability is key to meeting Portugal’s varied defense requirements.
The KC-390 has consistently delivered a 99% mission completion rate and offers low operational costs. Its multi-role flexibility and inherent interoperability make it a highly effective platform for modern air forces worldwide.
