At the LAAD Defense and Security exhibition in Brazil, renowned South African aerospace and defense companies Embraer and Denel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way for future collaborations for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft. Formulated by Chris Boshoff of Denel's Group Executive CEO Aerospace and Chris Boshoff, Vice President of Contracts for Embraer Defense & Security, the agreement establishes a framework for potential cooperation in the manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul activities of aerial structures. This MOU means deepening the strategic partnership between the two companies, focusing on Embraer's advanced military transport aircraft.
Denel, a South African State-Owned Enterprise (SOC), plays a key role in providing innovative defense, security, aerospace and technology solutions, serving as a strategic partner for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). His expertise spans combat turrets, gun and vehicle systems, missiles and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), avionics upgrades, air defense systems testing, and complex system integration. Meanwhile, Embraer, a global leader in aircraft and systems design, development, manufacturing and marketing, is actively promoting the KC-390 to South Africa and other African military forces. With industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution networks across the US, Africa, Asia and Europe, Embler brings a wealth of experience and reach to this collaboration.
The next generation military transport aircraft, the KC-390 Millennium, is particularly suitable for operations in South Africa. Its versatility, ability to quickly reconfigure between missions, and ability to operate from unprepared runways makes it a cost-effective solution for modern military forces on the African continent. The KC-390 can fly faster at 470 knots and carry a 26 ton payload offering a larger range. It supports a variety of missions, including humanitarian aid, cargo and military transport, air refueling (as both tankers and receivers), medical evacuation, search and rescue, fire service, special operations, and temporary or dirt runways such as packed soil, soil, gravel.
Since its introduction, the KC-390 has gained Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and private customers (eight aircraft countries). Sweden and Slovakia chose it to modernize the air force. In serving in the Brazilian Air Force since 2019, the Portuguese Air Force since 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force since 2024, the KC-390 has demonstrated exceptional reliability and boasts mission completion rates of over 99% as evidence of productivity and performance.
South Africa's interest in the KC-390 comes from the need to modernize military transport capabilities. The South African Air Force (SAAF) currently relies on the aging fleet of C-130BZ Hercules aircraft, encountering maintenance and availability challenges, requiring chartered aircraft for operation in areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique. These C-130BZS also support domestic and local humanitarian efforts, providing relief and medical equipment to areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts. KC-390 presents modern alternatives to enhance the SAAF's ability to maintain peace, counter-terrorism and implement humanitarian missions.
Embraer actively introduces the C-390's capabilities to South Africa. The aircraft possibilities were fully on display at the African Aerospace and Defense show at Watercruff Air Force Base near Pretoria in September 2024. In November 2023, protests at the same base in the SAAF and other government sectors gathered senior Pentagon officials, including Defense Minister Thandi Modise, Prime Minister Sandf Rudzani Maphwanya and Prime Minister SAAF Wiseman Mbambo. This followed a visit to Brazil by SAAF officials in April 2023 to explore the possibilities of aircraft. Modise has expressed optimism about its future partnership with Embraer, envisaging local manufacturing and repair operations that could enhance South Africa's aerospace capabilities and economy.
The enthusiasm for collaboration is mutual. Fabio Capalica highlighted the provision of the highest tier aircraft to South Africa while partnering with the defense industry, saying, “We are excited to strengthen our relationship with Denel, a proven aerospace leader in South Africa. Chris Boschoff reiterated this sentiment, highlighting Denel's preparation and expertise, “Our long-standing relationships spanned decades, and this collaboration further strengthens our bond. Denel is equipped and a well-qualified industrial partner to take on the necessary tasks assumed for collaboration, significantly enhancing Africa's continuous capabilities.”
The partnership gained even more momentum in January 2025. This was a high-level SAAF delegation led by Brigadier General Carl Moatshe, director of air transport and maritime systems, visited the facility in Embraer, Brazil from November 7th to 8th. With Denel executives, including Lindokuhle Justice Mpanza and Mante Mahlogonolo Phakathi, the group toured the production lines of the C-390 and A-29 Super Tucano, enhancing ongoing debate over potential acquisitions. This visit highlights the ties between Embler and Denel and the SAAF's continued interest in aircraft.
The MOU between Embraer and Denel represents a promising step towards increasing the capabilities of South Africa's military and aerospace. Combining Embraer's cutting-edge technology with Denel's industrial expertise, the collaboration will position South Africa as a hub for Africa's aerospace innovation, addressing both defence needs and economic growth.
