Portugal closes order for one KC-390 and 10 options for other European countries
The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has increased its order for KC-390 Millennium jets from five to six aircraft, Embraer announced in Paris.
The country was the first foreign customer for the multirole aircraft, signing a contract in 2019. Two of the five KC-390s have already been delivered and a third will be sent to Portugal in 2025.
The Portuguese government and Embraer went further and included ten purchase options for the Millennium, but for them to be delivered to other European countries and NATO members.
This is a similar arrangement to that carried out by the Netherlands, which, along with five of its own aircraft, also added another five KC-390s for Sweden and four for Austria.
“This will allow for increased interoperability and cooperation with new operators of the KC-390 aircraft, with benefits in reducing costs associated with training, logistical support, and life cycle, as well as the growing involvement and development of the Portuguese aeronautical cluster,” said Embraer.
The inclusion of ten purchase options for future government-to-government negotiations will allow other European and NATO nations to acquire, through Portugal, interoperable and versatile platforms, enabling for the continuous development of the Defense Technological and Industrial Base, with the consequent financial return for the country, and the affirmation of the Portuguese Air Force as a partner of excellence in operations and training for example through its KC-390 Training Centre,” said Nuno Melo, Minister of Defence of Portugal.
Currently, most of the KC-390 customers are in Europe. In addition to Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden, Embraer has closed or is in the process of closing agreements with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
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