DefenseBrazilian Air Force may scrap KC-390 after structural damage in Argentina
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is considering decommissioning one of its newest KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft after it sustained structural damage during a landing in southern Argentina in September 12, according to reports in the Brazilian press.
The aircraft, tail number 2859, was delivered in September 2024 and had logged just over a year in service. Preliminary assessments suggest the cost of restoring it to operational condition may outweigh its residual value, sources told local media.
In a brief statement, the FAB confirmed that the KC-390 “performed a landing under strong wind conditions” and that “no issues occurred for the relevant evaluations,” but did not elaborate on the extent of the damage. Embraer, which manufactures the model, said it is assisting the investigation.
Despite the difficult landing, the KC-390 continued its journey and landed at Galeão Air Base the following day after a technical stop. However, the aircraft performed five local flights on September 22nd and has been grounded since then.
If written off, the incident would reduce the FAB’s available KC-390 fleet to three aircraft. Another unit, 2853, has remained grounded since 2021 due to unresolved damage.
The KC-390 was developed jointly by Embraer and the FAB to replace the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. The jet-powered transport competes internationally against both the C-130J and Airbus A400M in tactical airlift tenders.
Brazil initially ordered 28 KC-390s but later cut the total to 19 in 2019, citing budget constraints.
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