Portugal takes delivery of fourth KC-390 with aerial refueling capability

The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has taken delivery of its fourth Embraer KC-390 Millennium, marking a new phase in the modernization of Portugal’s military air transport fleet.

The handover took place on January 23 at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, during a ceremony attended by a Portuguese delegation led by Major General João Nogueira, director of the KC-390 program.

The newly delivered aircraft is the first KC-390 in Portuguese service to be equipped with the optional aerial refueling kit. The system includes roll-on/roll-off fuel tanks installed inside the fuselage and refueling pods mounted under the wings, allowing the aircraft to be rapidly configured as a tanker according to operational requirements.

With this capability, the Portuguese Air Force gains, for the first time in its history, an organic aerial refueling function. Operated by Squadron 506 “Rinocerontes”, the KC-390 can now support air-to-air refueling missions while also benefiting from increased range, endurance and overall mission flexibility.

Following delivery, the aircraft will conduct a transatlantic ferry flight to Air Base No. 11 in Beja, where all Portuguese KC-390s are based. The unit also hosts the full-flight simulator acquired as part of the program.

“This delivery comes two months ahead of the contractual deadline further exemplifying Embraer’s commitment to exceed customer expectations”, said Embraer.

Portugal has a firm order for six KC-390 aircraft. The sixth unit was contracted in September 2025, when Lisbon also secured options for up to ten additional aircraft that may be transferred to partner nations.

Portugal was the first foreign customer for the KC-390 and the first NATO member to select the aircraft, playing a significant role not only as an operator but also as an industrial partner in the program.

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