Embraer Intensifies Efforts to Position C-390 Millennium as a Replacement for South African Air Force’s C-130s.

On September 25, 2024, Embraer officially announced its plan to intensify efforts for the selection of its C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft to replace the C-130s currently in service with the South African Air Force. This initiative is part of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) International Exhibition, a major defense event held from September 18 to 22 at the Waterkloof Air Base, where Embraer showcased the C-390's capabilities to an international audience of defense experts, political leaders, and aviation professionals. Notable attendees included South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Defense Angie Motshekga.
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The C-390 Millennium showcased by Embraer at AAD 2024 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The C-390 Millennium is recognized for its ability to transport up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform a wide range of missions, even in the most challenging operational conditions. These missions include tactical transport of troops, equipment, vehicles, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, rapid crisis response, search and rescue operations, aerial refueling, and firefighting. These attributes make the aircraft a viable solution for military forces, particularly in terms of strategic transport capacity.

Currently, the Brazilian Air Force is the primary operator of the K/C-390, while Portugal has two units in service. Other countries, such as South Korea and the Czech Republic, have selected the aircraft, although purchase contracts have not yet been finalized. In July 2024, during the Farnborough International Airshow, a joint procurement agreement was signed between the Netherlands and Austria for nine C-390 Millennium aircraft. The Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive five units, while the remaining four will be operated by the Austrian Air Force. More recently, the Hungarian Air Force confirmed the delivery of a C-390 Millennium.

Africa is also a key market. Last year, Embraer inaugurated the first KC-390 Millennium simulator on the continent. Shortly after, in November 2023, a C-390 Millennium aircraft was transported to Waterkloof Air Base for a dynamic demonstration to officials from the South African Ministry of Defense and the South African Air Force (SAAF). This year, as part of the AAD exhibition, the aircraft made its second visit to South Africa, an event considered successful, allowing the SAAF to further evaluate this next-generation aircraft, which is being considered as a replacement for the existing fleet.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, stated that the company recognizes the professionalism and commitment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during the ongoing selection process to renew its transport fleet. He highlighted that the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft offering exceptional versatility, range, and speed, meeting the needs of the SANDF as well as other South African government agencies. SANDF representatives expressed their appreciation for the aircraft's broad range of capabilities and advanced technology after evaluating the C-390 Millennium, and noted their interest in advancing the necessary steps for selecting the much-needed strategic lift capacity for the SANDF.

In this context, Embraer aims to position the C-390 Millennium as a competitive alternative against other aircraft in the same segment, including Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules. By targeting the replacement of legacy C-130s still in service with several air forces around the world, Embraer continues to promote its aircraft as the best option to meet the current demands for strategic military transport. The competition for C-130 replacement is expected to be intense, with the C-390 well positioned to challenge its rivals by offering superior payload and deployment capabilities.