Brazilian President once again suggests agreement to sell Embraer C-390 to Angola
The Brazilian government has once again stated that Angola could be one of the next customers for Embraer’s C-390 Millennium airlifter.
During a visit by Angolan President João Lourenço to Brazil, his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stated that BNDES, the country’s development bank, will finance the sale of three multi-role jets to the African country’s air force.
Lula had already made a similar statement in August 2023 during a BRICS meeting in South Africa, but at the time he predicted an order for four aircraft.
Although Embraer has closed several recent contracts for the tactical transport aircraft, the African continent still does not have any confirmed customers.
There are advanced discussions with countries such as South Africa and Morocco, as well as a competition in Egypt, but no conclusion is yet in sight.
Aircraft from the Soviet Union era
The Angolan Air Force has a fleet of transport aircraft from the Soviet Union, with An-12, An-25 and An-32 turboprops and An-72 and Il-76 jets.
There are also two Chinese MA-60s and an Airbus C295 in the transport division, but the country is waiting for two other turboprops configured for maritime patrol.
Angola has been an Embraer customer for several years, having acquired 12 EMB-312 Tucano turboprop trainers and recently received six EMB-314 Super Tucano for light attack and close air support.
Lula also said he hopes Embraer can upgrade the EMB-314s and perhaps supply more aircraft.
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