Embrea and Portuguese Air Force celebrate big milestones with delivery of third KC-390 and maiden flight of A-29N
Hird KC-390 Millennium will complete the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) of the Portuguese operational fleet first A-29N completes its first flight and launches the test campaigns FAP KC-390 and A-29N.
On July 17, 2025, Brazil's Gavião Peixoto – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/B3: EMBR3), the global leader in aerospace and defense, and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP), celebrated two major milestones, including the KC-390 Millennium and the A-29n Super Tucano program, which includes the KC-390 Millennium and the A-29n Super Tucano program. The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign, which includes historic joint flights for both aircraft.
The third KC-390 is part of an agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government, with six aircraft finally coming into operation, with the Allied and the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Agency) countries offering an additional 10 purchase options. The first A-29N is part of a 2024 order for 12 aircraft, and Portugal is a launch customer of the Super Tucano variant, designed to meet NATO requirements.
“Looking steadily and fast through both programs gives us a sense of accomplishment and great satisfaction to advance our vision of having a more modern, capable and interoperable air force. The third KC-390 offering will increase operational capabilities, simultaneously link aircraft experience, at the same time establish a new front to acquire a new front to acquire this platphone. A good path to obtaining a distinctive platform with an idealized configuration by the Portuguese Air Force is a testament to our capabilities in advanced training and operational use.”
“We are extremely proud to be able to contribute meaningfully to strengthening FAP's operational capabilities on both the KC-390 and A-29N. This delivery and joint flight reflects our commitment to supporting Portugal's defense with efficient and innovative solutions, and is always based on a strong, long-term partnership.
The KC-390 Millennium offers superior payload capacity (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots). It can carry out a wide range of missions, including cargo and military transport and airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, fire and humanitarian operations. It can work from temporary or unpaved runways, such as stuffed soil, soil, gravel. Aircraft can also be configured for inter-aviation refueling, either as a tanker or as a receiver.
This game-changing aircraft fully meets NATO standards and requirements. In addition to Portugal, Europe and NATO allies such as Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania have chosen the KC-390 to modernize their air forces. In total, we chose this cutting-edge aircraft, including Brazil and South Korea.
The A-29 SuperTukano is a versatile and proven aircraft that offers extraordinary operational flexibility. It can perform a wide range of missions including close air support, air patrols, special operations, blockage, JTAC, forward air control (FAC), tactical coordination (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, escorts, and training at all levels.
The A-29N SuperTucano Variants feature advanced avionics tailored to meet NATO operational needs, a NATO-specific communications system, and other private features.
Recently, the Global A-29 Fleet has exceeded 600,000 flight times. With over 290 units ordered, the A-29 has already been selected by the 22 Air Forces worldwide.
Image: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/3c7db845-3f25-4c80-914f19c1f4194ec3/
About embraer
Embraer, a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, has commercial and executive aviation, defense and security, and agricultural aviation companies. The company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft and systems, providing service and support to after-sales customers.
Since its establishment in 1969, Embraer has delivered over 9,000 aircraft. On average, Embraer-built aircraft take off somewhere around the world, carrying over 150 million passengers a year, about every 10 seconds.
Embraer is a leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and is a major exporter of luxury goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, services and parts distribution centres, among its activities throughout America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Source: Ideal
