Brazil's Embraer and Dutch NIDV Ink Landmark Defense Deal at NEDS 2023.

The agreement between Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) and the Netherlands Industries for Defense & Security (NIDV), signed at the 34th NIDV Defense and Security Exhibition (NEDS 2023), marks a significant step in the strategic cooperation between Brazil and the Netherlands. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to expand the already existing relations, particularly concerning the C-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano projects. The Air Recognition editorial team was present at the exhibition to cover this event.

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Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) and the Netherlands Industries for Defense & Security (NIDV), signed at the 34th NIDV Defense and Security Exhibition (NEDS 2023).  (Picture source: Embraer)

Regarding the C-390 Millennium, the Netherlands plans to sign a contract soon for the acquisition of five tactical C-390 Millennium aircraft. The Royal Netherlands Air Force selected the C-390 in 2022 to replace its old C-130 Hercules. However, about 18 months after the announcement, the Dutch government and Embraer have not yet revealed the date of the agreement's conclusion.

The C-390 Millennium is the largest aircraft built to date by Embraer, a medium-sized military transport jet with twin engines. It made its first flight in 2015 and was first delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. The C-390 can carry payloads of up to 26 tons, including armored vehicles, helicopters, or up to 80 equipped soldiers. Equipped with modern technology, including an enhanced vision system and Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion commercial avionics, the C-390 offers in-flight refueling capabilities and can be quickly reconfigured for different missions.

The A-29 Super Tucano, meanwhile, is a light turboprop attack aircraft developed from the EMB-312 Tucano. Designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments, it can carry a variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions. The Super Tucano is distinguished by its 1,600 shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C engine, a reinforced fuselage to support heavier loads, and modern avionics compatible with night-vision goggles.

In December 2020, the Royal Netherlands Air Force announced that it would replace its 13 Pilatus PC-7 trainers, in service since 1988. These aircraft, having undergone an upgrade program, are expected to remain in service until 2027. Although the Super Tucano is a larger and more complex turboprop than the PC-7, it could be one of the main candidates for this replacement, alongside the PC-21 and T-6 Texan (the American version of the Pilatus).