Athens. The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence on November 02 signed a contract to acquire three KC-390 Millennium with options for an additional three aircraft, produced by Embraer through a government-to-government agreement between Greece and Portugal.
As part of this landmark agreement, the Hellenic Air Force will receive its first KC-390 Millennium in 2027, enhancing its airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities while strengthening interoperability with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) and allied forces. Greece will also benefit from European synergies in training, support, and logistics.
“We are honoured by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft. This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies. The KC-390’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defence and Security.
Greece becomes the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. The acquisition reflects a growing trend among EU/NATO member states recognising the aircraft’s effectiveness in addressing current and future defence needs.
Beyond the European air forces, the KC-390 Millennium has also been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia. This next-generation multi-mission aircraft delivers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility and performance, with seamless interoperability, to enhance air forces’ operational capabilities worldwide.
The KC-390 Millennium is a next-generation military aircraft designed in the 21st century with interoperability as a key requirement, integrating advanced communications, mission systems, and modern digital architecture into a single platform to enable seamless joint and coalition operations.
It can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver.
