South Korea has reached a significant milestone by selecting the Embraer C-390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft, making it the first Asian country to do so. The announcement came from South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on December 4, 2023, following a competitive public tender. Embraer, the Brazilian company, emerged victorious in the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II category, securing a contract to supply the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft.
The Brazilian company was competing against other global aerospace giants including Lockheed Martin’s C-130J and the Airbus A400M Atlas.
Under the terms of the contract, Embraer will deliver an undisclosed number of C-390 Millennium aircraft, custom-configured to meet the specific requirements of the ROKAF. The agreement also includes a range of services and support, covering training, ground support equipment, and spare parts. The financial value of this contract will be integrated into Embraer’s backlog during the fourth quarter of 2023.
In addition to aircraft delivery, Embraer is committed to providing a comprehensive consortium and offset package. This initiative involves a substantial allocation of C-390 Millennium parts to be locally manufactured by Korean partner companies. The collaboration also encompasses the development of a local Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, reflecting a joint effort to enhance the aerospace and defense industries in both Brazil and South Korea.
Bosco da Costa Jr., President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the significance of this collaboration by stating, “This is a new era in Brazil-South Korea relations, and together with our Korean partners, we are committed to growing the capabilities of its aerospace and defense industries.”
The Republic of Korea Air Force joins a growing number of air forces worldwide that have selected the C-390 Millennium, recognized as the most modern military tactical transport aircraft. Its proven capabilities in executing various missions with efficiency, serviceability, and speed have solidified its standing in the global defense landscape.
South Korea becomes the seventh nation to choose the C-390, following in the footsteps of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and more recently with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has demonstrated remarkable capacity, reliability, and performance. The existing fleet has accumulated over 10,800 flight hours, boasting an operational availability of approximately 80% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%.
Setting itself apart in its category, the C-390 can carry a substantial payload of 26 tons, surpassing other medium-sized military transport aircraft. With a speed of 470 knots and an extended operational range, the aircraft is capable of performing diverse missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. Notably, it can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. Additionally, when equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities, designated as KC-390, it has demonstrated successful aerial refueling operations, both as a tanker and a receiver, enhancing its operational flexibility.
Indian Air Force & C390
Financial Express Online has reported previously that the Brazilian aerospace company has offered the C-390 Millennium to the Indian Air Force and awaits to hear back from them.