The C-390M military transport aircraft from Embraer was officially included in the Greek Armed Forces’ twelve-year defense procurement program, as reported by the portal On Alert last week. The decision marks a further strategic step in the modernization of the Polemiki Aeroporia (PA, Greek Air Force), which has traditionally relied on the US C-130 Hercules.
First steps and priorities
As part of the procurement program, the purchase of at least three C-390Ms is initially planned, with the option of increasing the number at a later date. Actual implementation is not expected until the end of the decade, however, as the introduction of the F-35 (-> Greece becomes the 19th F-35 nation) and the modernization of 38 F-16 Block 50s to the Viper configuration have priority.
Until then, the PA will continue to operate its reduced transport fleet. Of the 20 C-130H Hercules aircraft originally introduced in 1975, only four were still operational at the 356th Transport Squadron in Eleusis at the beginning of 2025, with a fifth undergoing an overhaul. In the meantime, Greece had applied to take over decommissioned C-130s from the USA, but decided against it due to high maintenance costs. The 12 C-27J Spartans that have been in service for 20 years are also to be modernized; a new five-year Follow-On Support (FOS) contract is planned from 2026.
Decision in favor of the C-390M: reasons and influences
The choice of the C-390M is based on its technical versatility, high operational availability and lower life cycle costs compared to classic types (-> What’s new with Embraer’s C-390M?). According to the Greek General Staff, comprehensive manufacturer briefings have provided an “excellent picture” of the aircraft’s characteristics, performance and support services. Partner countries such as Portugal, which have already introduced the C-390M, have also given the Greek side consistently positive feedback.
The performance data is particularly emphasized: The C-390M achieves a range of 5,500 kilometers with a payload of 15 tons – compared to 3,300 kilometers for the C-130J. The Brazilian model also sets itself apart in terms of speed: over 900 km/h compared to 670 km/h for the C-130J, with a maximum flight altitude of 36,000 feet compared to 29,000 feet. Another advantage is the IAE V2500 engines, which are also used in civilian aircraft such as the Airbus A320 – which has a positive effect on maintenance costs and the availability of spare parts.
Future prospects
The C-390M is regarded as a modern answer to the requirements of military aviation and is increasingly seen as the means of transportation for the coming decades. This is no coincidence: countries such as Brazil, Portugal and Hungary are already using the type; South Korea, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have signed contracts and the Austrian Armed Forces is also purchasing (in a in a joint procurement process with the Netherlands and now also Sweden) four machines of this type. Other countries such as Poland, Finland and Turkey are currently in negotiations.
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