Finland, Turkey and Poland Want The Same Embraer Aircraft
More customers for the C-390: No sooner had it announced an agreement with Sweden for four Millennium tactical transport aircraft than Embraer is already looking to secure more orders for the twin-engine jet.
In addition to countries already known to be evaluating the KC-390, such as India, Mexico and Saudi Arabia, Finland, Poland and Turkey are also in advanced talks for the aircraft.
Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio revealed the nations as ‘potential customers’ for the aircraft. “Negotiations to expand KC-390 are permanent and we are optimistic,” Mucio said.
Poland had already expressed interest and even had a visit from Embraer’s top brass to present the airlifter to its air force.
Turkish Aerospace, in turn, has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Embraer to strengthen industrial ties and perhaps produce the E2 commercial jet in Turkey.
Therefore, it would not be a surprise if the Turkish Air Force became an operator of the C-390.
Finland is the new addition to the list, as the country had not yet expressed its views in this regard.
The three European nations have in common that they are now part of NATO, the military alliance that has lost support from the United States under the Donald Trump administration.
The change in direction could remove the C-130J Hercules from competition, given the instability in its relationship with the United States. And it strengthens the position of Embraer, which has already won several orders on the continent.
Which countries are potential customers for the C-390?
In Europe, there are talks with Poland, Finland and Greece, while in Africa, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa are being considered as potential customers.
In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are evaluating the aircraft. In Asia, India is the country with the greatest potential for orders, with up to 80 aircraft. Uzbekistan, in turn, would be the customer that closed a deal for two C-390s in 2024.
In North America, Mexico has already received visits from Embraer a few times as the company tries to convince the US Air Force to consider the KC-390 as a tactical aerial refueling aircraft.
Lastly, South America has Chile and Colombia as the most likely operators.
Why has the C-390 attracted so much attention?
The airlifter is a more modern and capable design than the C-130J, an aircraft that originated in the 1950s, despite having been updated.
Equipped with two V2500 turbofans, the C-390 is faster and carries more payload, a total of 26 tons.
The aircraft is also quite versatile, being able to operate as a firefighter, for dropping troops, for aerial refueling and as an aerial ICU, among other roles.
In addition, the Millennium uses state-of-the-art avionics and more precise fly-by-wire controls. Its readiness has also surprised operators, who have used the aircraft with 99% efficiency.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
