Embraer, a global reference in the aerospace industry, announced yesterday during the 55th edition of the "Paris Air Show" (June 16-22) that the Portuguese State has decided to acquire a sixth KC-390 "Millennium" aircraft. In August 2019, the government of Portugal and Embraer signed a contract for the acquisition of five KC-390 aircraft, and with this potential additional acquisition, the Portuguese Air Force’s (FAP) transport fleet will include six new-generation KC-390 aircraft, expanding its capacity to fulfill the missions of the Armed Forces and other missions of public interest.

Additionally, Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force intend to include ten purchase options in the current contract for potential future acquisitions by European Nations or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members through the Portuguese State, in government-to-government negotiations. 

 The "Millennium" can perform a wide range of missions, such as cargo and troop transport and airdrops, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid and disaster response (HADR), firefighting and aerial refueling (AAR), both as a tanker and receiver. In addition, the KC-390 Millennium can support maritime surveillance and SAR operations, increasing its range and loitering time through in-flight refuelling. Its ability to operate from short runways and refuel other aircraft is critical to meeting Portugal’s defense requirements.