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 awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme]()
Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme
Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
-
![Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet]()
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
![Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs]()
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
![Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss]()
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.
