Netherlands and Austria finally sign purchase of C-390 Millennium
The governments of the Netherlands and Austria signed a contract with Embraer to acquire nine C-390 Millenniums on Monday during the opening of the Farnborough Airshow.
The agreement had been expected for several months since the Netherlands selected the Brazilian aircraft over the C-130J Super Hercules in June 2022.
As already known, the Royal Dutch Air Force will receive five C-390s while Austria will keep the remaining four.
The joint purchase between the two countries was agreed after the Austrian government confirmed the choice of Millennium in 2023.
The country preferred to close a partnership with the Dutch after problems with the purchase contract for Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.
“It is great that we can sign this agreement for both Austria and the Netherlands. I’m happy to see that we can buy these planes with the same specifications. This is a good example of collaboration in Europe between countries. The constructive support of Embraer has played a crucial role in the successful realization of this agreement. We appreciate the contribution of Embraer and look forward to a successful cooperation”, said Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, National Armaments Director of the Netherlands.
“We welcome the Netherlands and Austria as the newest members of the growing group of nations that have ordered the C-390 Millennium, the most efficient and modern military tactical transport currently in operation”, said Bosco da Costa Jr, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “This aircraft is the best choice in the market, offering an unbeatable combination of high performance, advanced technology and low life cycle costs.”
Now with the contract closed, the C-390 has 37 firm orders and three aircraft still pending confirmation with South Korea.
The Brazilian Air Force remains the largest customer, with 19 aircraft ordered, of which six have been delivered. Portugal has an order for five KC-390s, two of which are already in the country.
Hungary was the third country to select the military jet with one of them close to official delivery.
There is also an order from the Czech Republic (two aircraft), in addition to the pre-agreement with the South Koreans.
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