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Brazil to Continue KC-390 Aircraft Deliveries to Air Force Through 2034

Brazil to Continue KC-390 Aircraft Deliveries to Air Force Through 2034
Commitment to Fleet Modernization
Brazil has reaffirmed its dedication to modernizing its air transport capabilities by confirming that Embraer will complete the delivery of 19 KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) by 2034. This decision was highlighted during a recent public hearing of the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee as part of the PEC 55/2023 review. It reflects Brazil’s ongoing efforts to balance defense priorities with fiscal constraints while supporting Embraer’s ambitions in the global aerospace market.
Originally launched in 2014 with plans to deliver 28 aircraft over nine years, the KC-390 program was restructured due to budgetary limitations and evolving strategic requirements. The order was reduced to 19 units, and the delivery timeline extended to sixteen years. This adjustment underscores the challenges Brazil faces in sustaining large-scale defense programs amid tight financial conditions.
Technical Advancements and Operational Capabilities
The KC-390 Millennium is designed to replace the aging C-130 Hercules fleet, offering significant technological advancements. Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each producing 31,330 pounds of thrust, the aircraft cruises at 870 km/h and operates at altitudes up to 36,000 feet. It can transport up to 26 tons of cargo, including armored vehicles, helicopters, or palletized loads, and accommodate 80 fully equipped soldiers or 66 paratroopers. The cargo bay measures 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height, featuring a rear ramp and advanced handling systems for rapid loading and unloading.
Since the delivery of the seventh unit in September 2024, the FAB’s KC-390 fleet has accumulated over 14,000 flight hours, maintaining an availability rate exceeding 99 percent. The aircraft has demonstrated its versatility in humanitarian missions, resupply operations for remote bases, and support for F-39 Gripen fighters. Its reinforced landing gear and high-lift wings enable operations from short or unprepared airstrips, a critical capability given Brazil’s vast territory and limited infrastructure.
The KC-390’s modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration to fulfill various roles, including medical evacuation and firefighting, thereby enhancing fleet efficiency. In its tanker configuration, equipped with Cobham pods, the aircraft can perform both aerial refueling and fuel reception, significantly increasing operational autonomy.
Challenges and Export Prospects
Despite these advancements, the KC-390 program faces potential challenges related to supply-chain bottlenecks and infrastructure investment timelines that often exceed aircraft development cycles. These factors could affect the program’s schedule and overall costs. Globally, the market remains favorable, driven by sustained demand for business aviation amid increasing worldwide wealth. Competitors are shifting focus toward developing comprehensive ecosystems rather than solely delivering aircraft, while delays in the F-35 program may influence Brazil’s strategic procurement decisions.
On the export front, the KC-390 has garnered considerable international interest. Countries including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Lithuania—many of them NATO members—have placed orders. These acquisitions underscore the KC-390’s interoperability and its growing reputation as a versatile tactical transport solution.

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