The Portuguese government has ordered five KC-390 multi-mission airlifters from Brazil-based Embraer a (www.embraer.com) is part of the process of modernising the Portuguese Air Force; deliveries are scheduled to start in 2023.

The KC-390 is designed to set new standards for efficiency and productivity in its category, while having the lowest
life-cycle cost in the market.

It can perform various types of military and civilian missions, including humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue and firefighting, alongside cargo and troops transport.

It also has aerial refuelling capabilities.

Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said: “This is a historic day for the KC-390 programme, and I want to thank those who have contributed to the project.

"The Portuguese KC-390 will meet new interoperability requirements in the areas of secure navigation, data and voice transmission that will allow it to integrate joint operations in multi-national alliances in which Portugal is involved.

"These requirements, developed in partnership with the Portuguese Air Force, will enable the KC-390 to meet the needs of many other nations around the world.

“The industrial partnership between Portugal and Embraer contributes to the development of engineering and the Portuguese aeronautics industry, representing more than 300 million euros in exports each year and thousands of highly skilled jobs.”