Embraer delivers third KC-390 to Portugal, begins A-29N test campaign

Aircraft perform first joint formation flight in Brazil

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has announced the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and the start of the flight test campaign for the A-29N Super Tucano variant.

At Gavião Peixoto in Brazil, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer marked two programme milestones with the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium to the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and the commencement of flight testing for the A-29N Super Tucano variant.

In a press statement, Embraer says that the delivery is part of a contract between the company and the Portuguese government that includes six KC-390 aircraft, with 10 additional options available for NATO and allied nations. The A-29N aircraft delivered is the first of 12 ordered in 2024, making Portugal the launch customer for this variant, which is configured to meet NATO requirements.

It adds that the KC-390 Millennium is designed to meet NATO requirements. It offers a payload capacity of 26 tonnes, a top speed of 870 km/h, and the ability to operate on unpaved runways. It can support missions including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, and air-to-air refuelling.

Embraer says that Portugal joins other European and NATO member states, including Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania, that have selected the KC-390.

“Seeing both programmes progressing steadily and fast gives us a sense of achievement and great satisfaction that enables us to proceed with the vision of having a more modern, capable and interoperable Air Force. 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 and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform. 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,” says João Nogueira, Major-General, Air Force, Portugal Programme, Director, KC-390.

The Brazilian defence and aerospace company says that A-29N Super Tucano is equipped with NATO-specific communication systems and avionics. It supports a range of mission profiles, including close air support, air patrol, tactical coordination, reconnaissance, training, and border surveillance. Embraer notes that more than 290 units of the A-29N have been ordered by 22 air forces worldwide, with the global fleet surpassing 600,000 flight hours.

“We are extremely proud to contribute meaningfully to enhancing the FAP’s operational capabilities with both the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defence with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President, CEO, Defence & Security, Embraer.