First KC-390 Millennium lands in Hungary with official handover pending
Hungary will receive two Embraer KC-390 Millennium transport/tanker aircraft. (Photo: Hungarian Defence Forces)
The first Embraer KC-390 will undergo testing before an official handover to the Hungarian Air Force could take place.
The first Embraer KC-390 Millenium multi-mission transport and tanker aircraft has landed at the Hungarian Air Force’s (HuAF’s) base in Kecskemét, central Hungary.
Hungarian minister for defence Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that the testing schedule, which began after the aircraft’s first take-off on February 8, 2024, has entered its final phase, with ground and air tests being carried out in the final stages of the production process.
The current testing phase will involve the installation and validation of NATO’s special communications equipment. Following this, the minister said, the aircraft would return to Brazil to complete the work. He added that the official handover and its registration would take place from September to November 2024.
Hungary was the second European nation to sign for the Brazilian aircraft after Portugal in 2020. Two KC-390s will be supplied to Hungary, with deliveries initially scheduled between 2023 and 2024 for the first aircraft. The second unit was scheduled to begin production in December 2022 and was expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.
Earlier this year, Hungary announced it would also boost its Gripen JAS 39C/D fleet to 18 after Saab signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for four additional Gripen JAS 39C fighters for the HuAF.
Capable of being refuelled in-flight and quickly configured as a tanker, Hungary will be able to conduct air-to-air refuelling with its future KC-390s and its Gripen fighters.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026]()
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
