Embraer has released that the Portuguese government will acquire a sixth KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, expanding the Portuguese Air Force’s (FAP) transport fleet as part of a continued effort to strengthen national and allied defence capabilities. The announcement was made during the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show, building upon the original August 2019 agreement for five aircraft.
The addition of a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft will bolster Portugal’s capacity to carry out both military and public interest missions, ranging from cargo and troop transport to aeromedical evacuation, firefighting, search and rescue, and aerial refuelling. The aircraft’s ability to take-off and land on short runways, combined with in-flight refuelling capabilities, makes it highly versatile and well-suited to the country’s defence and humanitarian needs.
Further strengthening its long-term strategy, Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force also plan to include ten purchase options in the existing contract, aimed at future acquisitions by other European nations or NATO members. These would be handled through government-to-government negotiations via the Portuguese State, encouraging greater interoperability among KC-390 operators and offering shared benefits such as reduced training and logistics costs.
The move underscores Portugal’s commitment to modernising its air capabilities while promoting deeper integration with European and NATO partners. It also supports the continued growth of Portugal’s aeronautical industry, as the KC-390 programme contributes to the development of local aerospace expertise and infrastructure.
