Embraer promotes C-390 Millennium as it signs for closer ties with Morocco
The C-390 Millennium is a high-wing, twin-turbofan aircraft, used as a tanker/transport aircraft. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the Marrakesh Air Show, with the C-390 Millennium positioned as the ideal future choice for the Moroccan Air Force.
Embraer has signed a cooperation agreement with Morocco at the Marrakesh Air Show, with the manufacturer agreeing to launch potential joint projects with the Moroccan aerospace industry – including in defence.
Embraer is reportedly pushing to position its C-390 Millennium as the main aircraft of choice for the North African country’s Air Force to replace its ageing C-130 Hercules fleet. As reported by Morocco World News, Morocco’s army reportedly tested the C-390 Millennium in March 2024.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defence and Security, said: “Morocco is set to be a major partner for Embraer Defence and Security, and we are committed to collaborating closely with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to position the C-390 as the leading choice for their Future Tactical Airlift capabilities. Our support would include comprehensive training, maintenance, and logistics for their fleet.”
Although no official agreement has been signed, this latest MoU news follows an earlier tweet by the Kingdom of Morocco’s Armies on 8 October, which depicted the Moroccan flag alongside that of other current and future C-390 operators, Brazil, Portugal and Austria. When contacted by Shephard to clarify, Embraer refused to comment.
A draft Finance Bill for 2025 was disclosed on 18 October, which revealed that Morocco is planning to increase its military budget by 6% next year to MAD133 billion (US$13.4 billion) from MAD124 billion.
Embraer has already signed agreements with several countries for the C-390 Millennium, including the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands, to replace their C-130 aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
