DefenseMorocco Nears US$600 Million Deal to Acquire Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft
Morocco is in the final stages of negotiations to purchase Embraer’s C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, according to sources cited by Brazilian magazine Veja.
The deal is expected to be worth around US$600 million, indicating an order for four to five aircraft for the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
Embraer has been in talks with Morocco over the sale of its airlifter for several years. In 2024, the Brazilian aerospace company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Moroccan government to explore potential aerospace projects and strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
In March, a demonstration KC-390 conducted flights in Morocco, with Royal Moroccan Air Force personnel on board. The flights took place from Rabat, home to the country’s armed forces headquarters, and from Kenitra Air Base. These demonstrations showcased the aircraft’s capabilities and fueled speculation about a forthcoming agreement.
In September 2024, during the C-390 Millennium Operators Meeting, an official presentation revealed three new countries as future operators of the aircraft: Chile, the United Arab Emirates, and Morocco. This visual confirmation intensified rumors about an imminent deal, although no official statement has been made by the Moroccan government so far.
The Royal Moroccan Air Force currently operates 14 Lockheed C-130H Hercules turboprop aircraft and two KC-130H tanker variants. The current operational status of these aging aircraft is unclear, but the acquisition of the modern C-390 Millennium would represent a significant upgrade to Morocco’s airlift and aerial refueling capabilities.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is known for its speed, reliability, and multi-mission versatility, making it an increasingly popular choice among air forces worldwide.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
