Military Logistics

Hungary orders pair of KC-390s

18th November 2020 - 09:05 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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The aircraft will be able to conduct air-to-air, supply and humanitarian operations

Hungary on 17 November became the second European nation and NATO member state (after Portugal) to order the KC-390 airlifter from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.

Two KC-390s will be supplied to Hungary, with deliveries scheduled for 2023-2024.

These aircraft will be able to ‘deliver large military loads in an operational environment, as well as providing air-to-air refuelling services’, noted Gáspár Maróth, Hungarian government commissioner responsible for defence development.

‘We are acquiring a multi-role transport fleet for the Hungarian Defence Forces to fulfil the widest possible range of tasks within the national framework,’ he added.

The value of the deal is unconfirmed, but Shephard Defence Insight calculates the unit price of the KC-390 at $85 million. The contract also includes pilot and technician training, as well as other services and support.

As well as being capable of refuelling Hungarian Air Force JAS 39 Gripen aircraft via probe and drogue, each multifunctional KC-390 will include an intensive care medical facility for humanitarian missions.

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