Officials from Embraer reported continued international expansion for their military aircraft programs, with the KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft achieving market leadership status within five years of entering service.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), Caetano Spuldaro Neto, Vice President, Sales & Business Development, Middle East, Asia, & Pacific, outlined the company’s current market position and recent contract wins across both the KC-390 medium-lift transport and Super Tucano light attack aircraft programs.
The KC-390 Millennium has secured orders from multiple European nations over the past year, including contracts with the Netherlands for five aircraft, Austria for four units, and the Czech Republic for two aircraft. Sweden and Slovakia have selected the KC-390 following their procurement evaluations, with contract negotiations expected to conclude soon.
The aircraft has also gained traction in the Asia-Pacific region, with South Korea awarding a contract for three units in late 2023. The first Korean aircraft is scheduled for delivery next year. An undisclosed Asian customer has ordered two additional units, according to company officials.
Embraer’s operational data shows the KC-390 fleet has accumulated nearly 18,000 flight hours across ten aircraft currently in service. The Brazilian Air Force operates seven units since 2018, Portugal has two aircraft operational since 2023, and Hungary began operating one unit in 2024. The company reports a mission capable rate of 93.1 percent and mission completion rate of 99.2 percent across the fleet.
The KC-390 program targets replacement of aging medium-lift turboprop aircraft, with Embraer forecasting demand for over 460 aircraft globally over the next two decades. Company analysis indicates approximately 230 aircraft currently in service worldwide are over 45 years old and approaching retirement.
In the light attack segment, the Super Tucano has secured several new contracts during 2024. Paraguay and Uruguay each ordered six aircraft, while Portugal contracted for twelve units in a NATO-compatible configuration. An undisclosed African customer purchased four aircraft, and an existing Asian customer ordered six more units. Panama has selected the Super Tucano with contract finalization expected this year.
The Super Tucano has been operational with international customers for over two decades, with more than 290 aircraft delivered to approximately 20 air forces. The platform has accumulated nearly 600,000 flight hours, including combat operations in various theaters.
Regional operators in the Asia-Pacific include the Philippines Air Force and Indonesian Air Force, both of which have operated the aircraft for several years. The Philippines has used the Super Tucano in training exercises including the 2024 Iron Fist exercise, while Indonesia has operated the platform since approximately 2016.
Embraer officials emphasized the multi-mission capability of both aircraft platforms. The KC-390 can be reconfigured for cargo transport, troop movement, air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting, and special operations support without permanent modifications. Recent operational examples include flood relief operations in Brazil and joint exercises with U.S. and NATO forces.
The company demonstrated the KC-390’s cargo capacity through transportation of major military equipment, including High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Portuguese operations have included three missions transporting Black Hawks from the United States to Portugal aboard KC-390 aircraft.
For firefighting operations, the KC-390 can be equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System. Brazilian operations using this configuration completed nearly 100 flights and dropped over one million liters of water during recent fire suppression missions.
Future development for both platforms includes enhanced network-centric warfare capabilities, advanced communication systems, and precision airdrop technology. The KC-390 program is incorporating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities alongside traditional transport functions.
Embraer’s market analysis excludes domestic sales when comparing international performance, focusing specifically on export contracts. Under this methodology, both the KC-390 and Super Tucano have achieved market leadership positions in their respective categories for international sales over the past five years.
Company officials noted increasing competition in the light attack aircraft segment as new manufacturers enter the market, while emphasizing continued capability development to maintain competitive positioning for both aircraft programs.