As part of the modernization of its transport fleet, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has taken a new step with the start of construction of the first C-390 Millennium by the Brazilian company Embraer. The progress marks a milestone in the international cooperation program that brings together the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden for the joint acquisition of a total of thirteen (13) aircraft (five for the Dutch and four for each of the remaining partners), under the coordination and logistical leadership of the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
The manufacture of the first fuselage, which will take eight months, marks the beginning of an industrial process expected to last approximately two years. After the completion of the main structure, flight management, self-protection, and advanced avionics systems will be installed. All C-390s in the program will share a standardized configuration, which will help reduce operating costs and simplify joint operations among the three countries, leveraging economies of scale in maintenance, training, and technical support.
The project also boosts Dutch industry, as part of the final assembly and systems integration will take place in Woensdrecht, in cooperation with local aerospace companies. The C-390 Millennium will replace the veteran C-130 Hercules, which served for more than four decades in the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Under the established schedule, the first aircraft will be delivered in 2027, while the final unit will be incorporated around 2029.
The start of construction of the first Dutch C-390 was preceded by an intensive training phase in Portugal, where Royal Netherlands Air Force crews began their operational instruction in August 2025, under the guidance of the Portuguese Air Force’s 506th “Rhinoceros” Squadron. During the training weeks, personnel completed simulator sessions and 11 logistical flight missions, accumulating nearly 50 hours of operation. This training strengthened cooperation between both countries and allowed the Netherlands to become familiar with the platform before receiving its own aircraft.
Portugal, a European pioneer in operating the KC-390 Millennium, has shared its experience in cargo transport missions, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian support. This technical exchange with the Netherlands supports the standardization of procedures within NATO, increasing interoperability and response capability in multinational operations. Thus, the new C-390 integrates into a cooperation network that has proven effective in crisis scenarios and international deployments.
It is worth recalling that in June 2025, during the Paris Air Show, Embraer and the Dutch Ministry of Defence signed an agreement to equip the future fleet with roll-on/roll-off aeromedical modules capable of converting the C-390 into an aircraft for high-complexity medical evacuations. This system, designed to be rapidly installed via the aircraft’s rear ramp, will allow the execution of medical evacuation and humanitarian missions under extreme conditions. With this addition, the C-390 Millennium consolidates itself as a new-generation multirole aircraft, strengthening the role of the Brazilian defense industry and expanding the strategic capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
You may also like: The Royal Netherlands Air Force has confirmed the deployment of 12 of its F-35A stealth fighters to the United States
