Embraer delivers third KC-390 to Portuguese Air Force and launches A-29N flight test campaign

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Embraer and Portuguese Air Force celebrate milestones in KC-390 and A-29N Super Tucano programs

Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in aerospace and defense, announced that the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has taken delivery of its third KC-390 Millennium. At the same time, another crucial step was taken with the initiation of the A-29N Super Tucano flight test campaign, culminating in a historic joint flight between the two aircraft types.

Handover of the third KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force

The third KC-390 military transport aircraft marks the progress of an agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government, which provides a total of six of these state-of-the-art aircraft for the Portuguese Air Force. Ten additional purchase options are available for allied and NATO countries. This agreement underscores the long-term cooperation and the strategic expansion of the Portuguese Air Force through modern and multifunctional platforms.

A-29N Super Tucano – Start of the flight test campaign

The first A-29N was delivered as part of an order for twelve units in 2024. This program makes Portugal the launch customer of the variant of the proven Super Tucano, specifically developed for NATO requirements. The launch of the flight test campaign will advance the testing and fine-tuning of these aircraft under real-world operational conditions.

Significance of the developments for the Portuguese Air Force

Major General João Nogueira, KC-390 Program Manager for the Portuguese Air Force, commented on the progress: “The steady and rapid development of both programs fills us with great satisfaction and gives us the opportunity to further advance our vision of a modern, capable, and interoperable air force. The delivery of the third KC-390 increases our operational capability while building experience with this platform. At the same time, the launch of the A-29N flight test campaign demonstrates that we are on the right track to deploy an excellent platform, optimally configured by the Air Force, that will demonstrate its capabilities in training and operational use.”

Statements from Embraer on the partnership with Portugal

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the strategic importance of the cooperation: “We are very proud to contribute significantly to increasing the operational capabilities of the FAP with the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and the joint flight are significant milestones that underline our commitment to supporting Portugal with efficient and innovative defense solutions – always based on a strong, long-term partnership.”

KC-390 Millennium: A Technical Masterpiece

With a payload capacity of 26 tons, the KC-390 Millennium surpasses other midsize aircraft. Its maximum speed of 470 knots and long range enable a variety of missions, including:

• Transport of cargo and troops
• Airdrops
• Medical evacuations
• Search and rescue operations
• Firefighting
• Humanitarian operations

The ability to operate from temporary or unpaved runways – such as flat surfaces, dirt, or gravel – significantly expands the operational radius. Furthermore, the aircraft is configurable for aerial refueling missions, both as a tanker and as a receiver.

NATO conformity and international selection of the KC-390

The aircraft fully complies with NATO standards, which is essential for modern operational forces. In addition to Portugal, numerous European and NATO allies – including Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania – have selected the KC-390 to modernize their air forces. A total of eleven countries, including Brazil and South Korea, have ordered the state-of-the-art model.

The flexibility of the A-29 Super Tucano

The A-29 Super Tucano is a highly versatile and proven aircraft capable of covering a wide range of mission profiles, including:

• Close Air Support
• Air patrol
• Special operations
• Joint Air Support (JTAC)
• Forward Flight Control (FAC)
• Tactical Coordination (TAC)
• Armed surveillance (armed ISR)
• Border surveillance
• Reconnaissance and escort missions
• Training at all levels from basic to advanced and transition training to air superiority fighters

A-29N – Tailor-made NATO version

The A-29N variant, specifically developed for NATO requirements, will be equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, NATO-compatible communications systems, and other specially configured capabilities to meet the Alliance’s operational needs.

Successful history and future outlook

The global A-29 fleet has already exceeded 600,000 flight hours, underscoring the system’s reliability and efficiency. With over 290 units on order, the Super Tucano is in service with 22 air forces worldwide – a testament to its versatility and proven capability.

Conclusion

The Portuguese Air Force’s recent milestones, with the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium and the launch of the A-29N flight test campaign, mark significant progress in modernizing and strengthening its national defense capabilities. With both platforms, Embraer has established powerful, flexible, and NATO-compliant aircraft that are capable of meeting the challenges of modern military operations. The close collaboration between Embraer and Portugal exemplifies how technological innovations and strategic partnerships can contribute to improving global security.