KC-390 order for Brazil fluctuates
The FAB now requires 22 KC-390 aircraft. (Photo: FAB)
Brazil had almost halved its KC-390 order from 28 aircraft to 15, but now it requires 22 in line with new 'budget conditions' for the Brazilian Air Force.
An air of indecision continues to surround the KC-390 Millennium military transport/tanker aircraft programme for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) after it amended its plans for a second time.
‘Thus, the total number of aircraft to be contracted by the FAB will be reduced from 28 to 22 units, with deliveries scheduled until 2034,’ KC-390 manufacturer Embraer announced in a 9 February statement. ‘The new production rates are aligned with the FAB’s budget conditions while allowing Embraer long-term planning with its suppliers.’
Shephard Defence Insight estimates a unit cost of $85 million for the KC-390, meaning that the new 22-aircraft requirement gives a programme value of $1.87 billion.
The FAB awarded Embraer a contract in May 2014 to supply 28 KC-390 military transport/tanker aircraft, including a logistical support package comprising spare parts and maintenance.
In November 2021 the FAB announced that it was reducing its order from 28 to 15 aircraft, but it now appears confident enough to order 22.
Despite the fluctuating numbers from the FAB, Embraer continued assembly work on the KC-390 in 2021 with other orders in place from Portugal (five aircraft) and Hungary (two).
However, ‘there are signs that budgets of some important customers have become strained following spending to fight the [COVID-19] pandemic and its economic impacts’, Embraer noted in its Q2 2021 financial results.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris]()
Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris
Airbus says it will aim to have a working prototype of the MQ-72C Logistics Connector by the end of the decade as it bids for a contract with the US Marine Corps.
-
![UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training]()
UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training
Funding of £300 million will go towards training personnel on the FIRCTS programmes to meet a growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) platforms.
-
![Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement]()
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
-
![Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers]()
Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers
The order includes jammers for Australian EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft follows an order for deployment on US Navy Growlers in December last year and an announcement in March that full-rate production was near.
-
![Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes]()
Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes
While details are light after the President’s comments, the US Air Force (USAF) has long needed to boost its fighter aircraft capabilities, according to USAF and analyst viewpoints.
