Embraer makes progress with Portuguese KC-390 test campaign
A Portuguese Air Force KC-390 aircraft undergoes flight testing. (Photo: Embraer)
Embraer continues to carry out flight test activities in the Portuguese Air Force KC-390 programme in support of key requirements outlined by Lisbon.
The requirements are certified by Brazilian authorities, including the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and the Institute for Industrial Development and Coordination (IFI), said Embraer in a 1 September statement.
‘This phase precedes the aircraft's departure to Portugal, where NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) standard equipment will be integrated and certified by the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) of Portugal and with the involvement of OGMA, a subsidiary of Embraer in Portugal,’ added the manufacturer.
Portugal has ordered five KC-390 tanker aircraft with initial deliveries set to begin in 2023. The new fleet is expected to undertake humanitarian support, medical evacuation, SAR and wildfire fighting missions.
‘Portugal is the largest international partner of the KC-390 programme, and its participation in the development and production of the aircraft is recognized for having a positive economic impact on the generation of jobs, new investments, increased exports and technological advances,’ noted Embraer.
Figures from Shephard Defence Insight indicate that Brazil has so far received four KC-390 aircraft from a total of 22 on order, while Hungary awaits a first delivery of two platforms.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.