Bydgoszcz, Poland. Embraer on March 13 officially presented the KC‑390 Millennium multi‑mission military transport aircraft to Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 S.A. (WZL‑2) in Bydgoszcz, Poland. This significant milestone marks the first concrete step in the strategic cooperation between the two companies. It builds upon the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 2, 2025, in Warsaw, which established the foundation for deeper industrial and technological collaboration.
The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation aircraft recognised for its versatility, high operational availability, and advanced technology, is designed to meet the most demanding airlift and aerial refueling missions. Its arrival at WZL-2 underscores Embraer’s commitment to strengthening industrial partnerships with the Polish aerospace and defence industry.
“Today’s event materialises Embraer’s and WZL-2’s shared vision for innovation and collaboration in the defence industry,” said Douglas Lobo, VP Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales, Embraer Services & Support. “By working closely with the Polish defence industry, we aim to create a robust cooperation, fostering long-term value for the country while contributing to the European defene community.”
The cooperation between Embraer and WZL-2 focuses on establishing a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability for the KC-390 Millennium in Poland. This initiative will enhance operational readiness of the KC-390 while fostering local expertise and industrial growth.
“Today, we are gathered here at WZL-2 to admire the KC-390 aircraft, which combines innovative technical solutions, reliability, and enormous operational potential. Cooperation with Embraer opens up new opportunities for us, giving us what we want to experience — it allows us to exchange knowledge and develop our competencies. I believe that our cooperation will be an important chapter in the history of aviation innovation,” said Jakub Gazda, CEO of WZL-2.
Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
