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
-
Eurosatory 2026: Partnership deals surge as industry prepares for defence spending growth
Dozens of partnership agreements, joint ventures and industrial cooperation arrangements were announced at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting how defence companies are expanding production capacity, localising manufacturing and accelerating capability development in anticipation of rising defence spending.
-
Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation
European law enforcement and public security agencies are entering a new cycle of investment in personal protection equipment (PPE), driven by evolving threat profiles, officer welfare requirements and advances in materials technology.
-
The speed of relevance: how companies can navigate the new era of European defence procurement
European militaries face a rapidly evolving security landscape and defence production must accelerate to meet surging demand for platforms and equipment. Industry needs to adapt to ensure it gets its products into the hands of the end user, Evelyn Rafferty, Senior Director Aerospace and Defence - Europe at Plexus told Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank
Autonomous systems developer Milrem has evolved a model for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), showing how uncrewed systems could provide a multi-layered defence architecture in the air and on land along NATO’s eastern borders.
-
Eurosatory 2026 to highlight changing defence and security priorities
Eurosatory 2026 will reflect a defence and security sector shaped by conflict, rising government spending, uncrewed systems, multidomain networks and growing demand for sovereign capabilities.
-
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.