By Brazil Stock Guide – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) and the Portuguese government signed an amendment to their existing agreement on Wednesday, securing the purchase of a sixth KC-390 Millennium aircraft and adding ten new purchase options for potential future acquisitions by partner nations. The move enhances Portugal’s military modernization strategy while positioning the country as a European training hub for the next-generation transport jet.
This is the first follow-on order by an existing KC-390 operator, underscoring Portugal’s role as a reference point for other NATO members considering the aircraft. The additional unit expands Lisbon’s tactical and logistical airlift capabilities, boosting its ability to respond swiftly to both military operations and humanitarian missions.
“The acquisition strengthens the strategic and operational capacity of the Portuguese Air Force, significantly increasing fleet availability for tactical and logistical transport,” said General João Cartaxo Alves, Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force. He added that Air Base No. 11 will be consolidated as a specialized training center for KC-390 pilots and operators.
For Embraer, the contract signals rising international confidence in the model. “This agreement highlights the KC-390’s operational efficiency and multi-mission capability,” said Bosco da Costa Júnior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. He emphasized that Portugal’s decision sets a precedent for other European and NATO customers seeking fleet modernization.
Since its debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the KC-390 Millennium has entered service with Portugal in 2023 and Hungary in 2024, proving its versatility and reliability. To date, 11 air forces worldwide — including eight in Europe and seven NATO members — have chosen the aircraft. The KC-390 outperforms rivals in its class, carrying up to 26 tons of payload, flying faster at 470 knots, and operating on unpaved runways for missions ranging from troop transport to firefighting, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling.
Market estimates suggest the contract value for Portugal’s sixth KC-390 could range between US$ 80 million and US$ 100 million per aircraft, depending on training and support packages. Including the ten purchase options, the overall deal could potentially reach US$ 500 million to US$ 600 million, though neither Embraer nor the Portuguese government disclosed financial terms.
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