Embraer to expand C-390 platform for ISR missions
A mock-up of the C-390 Millennium ISR variant. (Photo: Embraer)
The Brazilian manufacturer will work with the Brazilian Air Force to explore expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium.
Embraer has signed an agreement with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to enhance studies on expanding the capabilities of its C-390 Millennium aircraft for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The focus for the C-390’s expansion will be on maritime patrol, Embraer has said.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said: “We are honoured to move forward with the FAB on studies to expand the operational capabilities of the C-390 Millennium.
Related Articles
Czech Republic acquires two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft
Sweden selects Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as ties deepen with Brazil
"It reinforces our commitment to always offer our customers an aircraft capable of carrying out their most challenging missions with unparalleled efficiency.”
As noted by Lt Brig Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the FAB, the studies on the C-390 had “evolved in a structured way, analysing the aircraft’s capability to evolve in order to meet the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force”.
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium has already been chosen by several NATO countries as the tanker/transport aircraft of choice to modernise their air forces. This included orders from Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Sweden.
The C-390 is already designed for a range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, delivery and aerial refuelling, search and rescue and medical evacuation. According to a company spokesperson, the C-390 can be “modified in hours” to be ready for new missions.
While exploring the potential of the ISR variant is a new step for the manufacturer, Embraer has previously said it wanted to expand the C-390s capabilities, including making it more interoperable among its customers within NATO and South Korea.
In terms of a pre-existing ISR platform, Embraer has the E-99M, a modified variant of the ERJ-145 regional jet, as an airborne early warning and control aircraft. It is still in use by the FAB, where it delivered the fifth upgraded E-99 in 2023, among other nations, including the Greek, Mexican and the Indian air forces.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
![Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft]()
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
