DefensePortuguese Air Force takes delivery of the 3rd KC-390 and witnesses the flight of the first A-29N
Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) celebrated two major program milestones on Wednesday, July 17: the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium airlifter and the first flight of the A-29N Super Tucano.
The commemorative event was held at Embraer’s plant in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, and featured a formation flight of the two aircraft.
The KC-390 delivered is part of a contract for six aircraft signed by the Portuguese government, which also includes ten additional purchase options for European NATO allies. The A-29N, a NATO-specific variant of the Super Tucano, had its first flight as part of a 12-aircraft order placed in 2024.
According to Major-General João Nogueira, Director of the KC-390 Program at FAP, the twin milestones represent significant achievements.
“The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach Full Operational Capability. The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign shows that we are in a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealized by Portuguese Air Force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,” he said.
NATO-ready aircraft
The A-29N Super Tucano features upgraded avionics and secure communications systems tailored to NATO requirements. The platform, which has surpassed 600,000 flight hours globally, is in service with 22 air forces.
The KC-390 Millennium, capable of transporting up to 26 tonnes, is designed for a wide range of missions including air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations—even on unprepared airstrips. The aircraft has been selected by 11 nations, including several NATO members such as Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the partnership’s importance: “This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defense with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership.”
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