During the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, held in Le Bourget, France, Brazilian company Embraer confirmed on Monday, June 16, the acquisition by the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) of a sixth KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft. The new addition will expand the force’s transport capabilities, consolidating Portugal’s role as the lead European operator of the model.
Currently, the FAP already operates two units of the KC-390, and this marks the first time an export customer has confirmed an additional purchase—reinforcing confidence in the system’s performance and long-term prospects. In this regard, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated: “We are deeply honored to expand our collaboration with the Portuguese Air Force and the Portuguese State. The acquisition of the sixth KC-390 by the FAP, which has been operating the aircraft since 2023, is the first additional order made by a current operator. This reflects the recognition of the aircraft’s quality and operational performance. The inclusion of further purchase options in the contract suggests that more Western countries could soon join this group of operators, benefiting from economic synergies over the KC-390’s life cycle.”
This sixth aircraft adds to the original contract signed in August 2019, when the Portuguese government agreed to purchase five KC-390 Millennium aircraft, along with a logistics support package and the installation of a flight simulator in the country. The FAP received its first KC-390 in October 2023 at Air Base No. 11 in Beja, followed by the second delivery in June 2024. With this new acquisition, Portugal will reach a fleet of six aircraft.
In parallel, Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force have agreed to include ten purchase options in the current contract, aimed at future acquisitions by other European countries or NATO members through intergovernmental negotiations. This measure is intended not only to promote interoperability among allies but also to optimize operating, training, and maintenance costs, while supporting the growth of Portugal’s aerospace cluster.
In addition to expanding its fleet, Portugal is also moving forward with technological cooperation projects. In April 2025, during the LAAD Defence & Security exhibition, it was announced that the FAP would join the program led by the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer for the development of an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) variant of the KC-390.
This version, based on a roll-on/roll-off modular kit, will maintain the aircraft’s multi-mission capability and allow for the integration of sensors, workstations, and eventually weapons systems—such as anti-ship missiles—depending on the operational profile. This future KC-390 configuration could serve as an alternative to the current P-3C CUP+ maritime patrol aircraft operated by the FAP. Meanwhile, production of the remaining aircraft continues at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. In March of this year, Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo visited the plant where the third KC-390 destined for the FAP is currently under construction.
*Images used for illustrative purposes only
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