Embraer KC-390 Millenium

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is an indigenously developed twin jet engine cargo transport developed to replace the C-130 Hercules in Brazilian Air Force service. The Millennium is available in two variants, the C-390 transport and the KC-390 tanker-transport version which is capable of aerial refuelling other aircraft. The Millennium has similar airfield performance characteristics to those of the C-130 however it is fast, has longer ranged and can carry a heavier cargo. The type has been an export success for Brazil with orders currently on the books from Portugal, Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, South Korea and the Czech Republic, with many more nations in discussions to acquire the type.

Portugal were the first export customer for the Millennium, ordering five aircraft in a NATO compliant configuration during 2019. The first aircraft entered operational service in 2023 after being delivered the previous year and they will be delivered from Brazil at a rate of one per year. The entire fleet is based at Baja and operated by 506 squadron.

As part of our celebration of 75 years of NATO, Portugal will be providing a tanker-transport configured KC-390 Millennium for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo. This is the first time a Portuguese KC-390 has appeared at RAF Fairford.

Photo Credit: Embraer