During the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, Brazilian company Embraer and the Netherlands signed an agreement for the integration of a next-generation aeromedical evacuation system aboard the future C-390 Millennium aircraft of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The signing of the contract, which includes an initial order and seven additional options, was led by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Command for Materiel and IT, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The new aeromedical system, developed based on a roll-on/roll-off modular concept, enhances the MEDEVAC capabilities of the C-390 through the integration of a high-complexity airborne medical unit. This allows for the care and transport of critical patients, including those requiring life support or isolation due to infectious diseases, without compromising the safety of medical personnel or crew.
Designed to be fully compatible with the C-390’s Cargo Handling System (CHS), the module can be quickly installed through the aircraft’s rear ramp, ensuring efficient conversion without affecting operational availability. This new capability will boost the use of the C-390 in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and medical evacuations under complex conditions—both for the Netherlands and for potential allies interested in replicating the solution.
In this regard, Vice Admiral Hartman stated: “The integration of this system will expand the operational capabilities of our fleet, turning the C-390 into an airborne medical facility capable of delivering life-saving care under any circumstances.” Meanwhile, Bosco da Costa Junior emphasized: “This development marks a new step in the evolution of the C-390 Millennium. We are proud to support the Netherlands with an innovative solution that will save lives and showcases the extraordinary potential of this multi-mission aircraft.”
The signing of the contract adds to another milestone reached by Embraer during the same event: the confirmation of a sixth KC-390 Millennium acquired by the Portuguese Air Force, further solidifying Portugal as the main European operator of the model. These developments reaffirm the Brazilian company’s goal to expand the C-390’s capabilities and position it as a benchmark tactical platform in the region.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, and later being adopted by Portugal in 2023 and Hungary in 2024, the C-390 has demonstrated a 93% availability rate and mission completion levels above 99%. With the capacity to transport up to 26 tons, the aircraft outperforms its competitors in speed, range, and versatility, operating from unpaved runways and performing missions including transport, airdrop, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting, and search and rescue.
*Image credits: Embraer
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