Within the framework of South Korea’s LTA-II program led by the Ministry of Defense, Brazilian manufacturer Embraer announced the start of final assembly of the first C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft destined for the Republic of Korea Air Force. The official presentation took place during the Singapore Airshow 2026, where it was confirmed that the aircraft has entered the final phase of integration and pre-flight testing ahead of its maiden flight.
This milestone represents a key step in cooperation between Brazil and South Korea, establishing the Asian country as the first operator of the C-390 Millennium in the region. The selection of the aircraft, made in December 2023, falls under the “Large Transport Aircraft II” (LTA-II) competition, through which Seoul decided to invest USD 544.4 million to strengthen its airlift fleet. The choice of the C-390 over competitors from other major powers reflects South Korea’s confidence in the technological and operational capabilities of the Brazilian manufacturer.
During the announcement, Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted the significance of the achievement, stating that “The progress of South Korea’s first C-390 Millennium demonstrates the efficiency and maturity of our production line, as well as the strength of our partnership with DAPA, the Republic of Korea Air Force, and our Korean suppliers.” He also emphasized that industrial cooperation with South Korea is advancing smoothly, reinforcing Embraer’s global supply chain at a key moment of production expansion.
The partnership between Embraer and South Korea gained significant momentum in October 2025, when both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding during ADEX 2025. The agreement, signed by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Embraer, laid the groundwork for long-term technological and industrial cooperation, including the participation of South Korean companies in the C-390 production chain and the joint development of capabilities in maintenance, training, and logistics support.
The introduction of the C-390 into the Republic of Korea Air Force adds to a growing list of countries that have selected the aircraft, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, and Lithuania—demonstrating the strong export success of Embraer’s product and marking a major milestone for Brazil’s aerospace industry.
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