The Portuguese Air Force has announced it will join Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force in collaborative studies to develop intelligence capabilities for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft.
The announcement was made at a ceremony during the LAAD Defense & Security exhibition, attended by senior military and corporate officials from both countries.
A concept image of a modular intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roll-on/roll-off mission system was presented at the event.
The system under development will allow the aircraft to perform ISR missions while maintaining its existing multi-mission capabilities.
Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Brazilian Air Force Commander, said the collaborative work with Embraer was “evolving efficiently and in a structured manner, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the KC-390 Millennium for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force.”
“We see a great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. The Brazilian Air Force welcomes the Portuguese Air Force in joining this study, bringing their knowledge and experience to enhance the potential solution,” he said.
Bosco da Costa da Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the company was “delighted with the Portuguese Air Force decision to join the studies for this new application for the KC-390 Millennium.”
The studies have identified several possibilities for integrating new mission systems, sensors, workstations and weapons that would meet the operational expectations of both air forces.
The KC-390 Millennium has been in service with the Brazilian Air Force since 2019, with Portugal beginning operations in 2023 and Hungary in 2024.
According to Embraer, the aircraft has achieved a mission completion rate of more than 99 per cent.
The aircraft has been selected by 10 air forces globally, including several NATO members, with Sweden and Slovakia being the most recent countries to choose it as their tactical transport aircraft.
Other countries that have selected the KC-390 include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and an undisclosed customer.
