After securing several orders – including from Austria – Embraer Embraer Defense & Security recently gave a comprehensive overview of the current status and future developments of the C-390M program at the LAAD exhibition in Rio de Janeiro.
Federico Lemos, Embraer’s Chief Commercial Officer and head of the newly opened European office in Lisbon, held a separate press conference. He confirmed that Sweden has reaffirmed its earlier declaration of intent: It plans to purchase four C-390Ms and will join the existing contract between the Netherlands and Austria.
According to Lemos, Sweden’s entry brings the total number of firm orders for the C-390M to 46 aircraft. However, further orders could soon follow – for example from Slovakia, which has already signaled its preference for the Embraer model has already been signaled.
Lemos also emphasized that Embraer has already recorded 23 orders outside Brazil since the C-390M entered service in 2019 – more than the C-130J from Lockheed Martin in the same period (21 orders).
Further proof of its success: the smooth introduction of the C-390M to European air forces such as Portugal and Hungary (-> First C-390M handed over to Hungary). According to Lemos, the model impressively demonstrated its interoperability there, for example by transporting a Black Hawk helicopter.ransporting a Black Hawk helicopter from the USA to Portugal and a HIMARS missile artillery system (-> The C-390M even fits a HIMARS).
Further major orders in prospect
Federico Lemos also emphasized that the offer for India – as a replacement for the aging An-32 and HS748 – continues to gain momentum. Embraer is convinced that the C-390M is the most attractive offer thanks to the planned technology transfer via the local partner Mahindra and the bilateral BRICS relations between Brazil and India. Orders for 60 to 80 aircraft are in the pipeline – however, this will probably only be feasible in the context of local production according to the “Make in India” principle.
Not to be forgotten: Uzbekistan. Although there is no official confirmation of this from Embraer, there is said to be a document from the Brazilian government that refers to a guarantee from the national development bank – to finance the sale of two military transport aircraft.
However, there is no news from Saudi Arabia, where a possible procurement of up to 33 C-390Ms is under discussion.
Cooperation with South Africa launched
A new collaboration with South Africa is still at an early stage. At the LAAD trade fair, Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, and Chris Boshoff, Executive Director Aerospace at the South African defense company Denel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This agreement lays the foundation for a cooperation focusing on the manufacture of aircraft structures as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities.
Chris Boshoff emphasized: “Our relationship goes back several decades and this new cooperation will further strengthen it. Denel has the technical and industrial capabilities to take on the envisaged tasks and thus significantly expand the strategic air support capability on the African continent.”
Promising market outlook
Embraer anticipates that there will be a global demand for around 460 transport aircraft in the C-390M class over the next 20 years. There are currently around 230 aircraft in this category in operation that are more than 45 years old and will need to be replaced in the near future.
Although such market studies are standard in the industry – and are often used by all manufacturers as an argument – the analysis nevertheless underlines the long-term potential of the C-390M.
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Special roles in preparation: The “Boom Tanker”
In order to further expand the capabilities – and thus the sales opportunities – of the versatile C-390M, Federico Lemos explained that the development of a boom refueling system for the US Air Force (USAF, -> current news about the US armed forces) is progressing. Originally launched as part of the Agile Tanker concept, this system is intended to enable tanker aircraft to operate forward on shorter runways (theater operations).
The goal: jets that – like the F-16, F-15 or F-35 – do not have a retractable refueling probe should also be able to be refueled in the air. Although Embraer initially cooperated with L3 Harris, the US partner withdrew for the time being. According to Lemos, Embraer is currently working on new partnerships, but has not yet decided whether future tenders will be approached as prime contractor or together with a US partner.
“We are having very good discussions with companies in the USA. But we have to wait and see how the USAF’s requirements develop,” Lemos continues. Should the US Air Force adjust its plans and take an accelerated approach, Embraer would be prepared to finance the development of a specially adapted refueling boom itself.
In the coming days, the USAF is expected to release results of an NGAS analysis (Next-Generation Air-refueling System) analysis. This analysis could provide more clarity on whether – and where – a new (possibly stealth-capable) tanker platform should be integrated into the future force structure.
Background: The latest decision, Boeing with the development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) or the 6th generation F-47 (-> Latest findings on the Boeing F-47) could significantly influence or accelerate these plans.
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Strong US component base
Lemos also pointed out that most of the C-390M’s main systems – including engines and avionics – are produced in the USA:
- The V2500-E5 engine comes from International Aero Engines.
- The avionics (Pro Line Fusion) is manufactured by Collins Aerospace.
Major General João Nogueira, Director of the Weapon Systems Maintenance Directorate of the Portuguese Air Force, added: “The USA is not yet a user of the platform. But it would be a significant step if they were to opt for the C-390M.”
Further focus on ISR and maritime surveillance variants
The development of new special variants of the C-390M is also progressing. Together with the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB), Embraer began a study for a naval patrol version in 2024. At the same time, work is also underway on an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) variant. A new addition is the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP), which will evaluate possible adaptations for reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance missions together with Embraer and the FAB in the future.
This expansion of the cooperation was announced during a ceremony at LAAD Defense & Security 2025. Among those present were General João Cartaxo Alves (Air Force Chief of the FAP), Brigadier General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno (Air Force Chief of the FAB), Francisco Gomes Neto (President and CEO of Embraer) and Bosco da Costa Junior (President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security).
New ISR concept presented
During the ceremony, Embraer presented a conceptual image of a modular roll-on/roll-off ISR system. This should enable ISR missions to be carried out flexibly without restricting the existing multi-mission capabilities of the C-390M. Previous concepts have already shown that the platform offers a high degree of flexibility to integrate new mission systems, sensors, workstations and armaments – always tailored to the operational requirements of FAB and FAP.
Also worth mentioning is the possibility – also taken up by Austria – of using Rafael Litening 5 reconnaissance pods on the “chin station” of the C-390M to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
Brigadier General Damasceno emphasized the importance of the partnership: “The cooperation with Embraer is developing efficiently and allows a comprehensive evaluation of the C-390M for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force. We see great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. The participation of the Portuguese Air Force in this study will further improve the search for optimal solutions through their knowledge and experience.”
Further modernization measures
In addition, new VIP and intensive therapy/MEDEVAC modules were presented, which are being developed on a pallet basis and can therefore be quickly integrated into the C-390M.
Further improvements include:
- JPADS capability: addition of GPS antennas for precise drop programming via tablets and automatic guidance systems.
- Communication equipment: Integration of a fourth UHF radio system and satellite communication via UHF and Ka-band.
- Cargo visibility system: New screens for visualizing freight and cargo in the cargo hold.
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