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Portugal Joins Brazil and Embraer in Exploring C-390 ISR Capabilities
The Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) has officially announced its intention to join Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in collaborative studies to explore potential adaptations of the KC-390 Millennium for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
This development represents a significant expansion of the C-390’s operational envelope, potentially opening new market opportunities for the increasingly successful tactical transport aircraft.
The announcement was made on April 1, 2025, during a ceremony at the LAAD Defense & Security exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
During the ceremony, Embraer presented a concept image of a modular roll-on/roll-off mission system, which the company says is currently under development. This solution aims to enable ISR capabilities while preserving the aircraft’s existing multi-mission functionality.
“The collaborative work with Embraer is evolving efficiently and in a structured manner, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the KC-390 Millennium for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force,” said Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno. “We see a great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions.
C-390 ISR Capability Development
The ISR capability exploration builds upon an agreement signed between Embraer and the FAB in December 2024, which initially focused on maritime patrol applications.
The concept image displayed during the announcement showed the C-390 armed with what appeared to be anti-ship cruising missiles (ASCM). This indicates the study may explore transforming the C-390 into a fully capable maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) capable of not only surveillance but also anti-surface warfare operations. It may also include anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
The ISR adaptation will leverage several existing characteristics of the C-390, such as its inherent flexibility, structural robustness, communication systems, and self-protection suite.
The studies have already identified multiple possibilities for integrating new mission systems, sensors, workstations, and weapons that would meet the operational requirements of both air forces.
A Versatile Transport Aircraft
The C-390 Millennium represents Embraer’s bold entry into the tactical military transport market, challenging the long-standing dominance of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.
With a maximum take-off weight of approximately 87 tons and a payload capacity of 26 tons, the C-390 matches or exceeds some performance metrics of legacy Hercules variants.
Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 high-bypass turbofan engines, the same powerplant widely used in the Airbus A320 family, the C-390 benefits from an extensive global support network and potential maintenance cost advantages.
This engine commonality with commercial aviation significantly reduces logistical complexity and enhances operational efficiency compared to military-specific powerplants.
The aircraft can cruise at speeds up to 470 knots (Mach 0.8, or 988 km/h) and operate at altitudes up to 36,000 feet (10,973 meters). With a ferry range of 8,500 km when equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks, the C-390 offers impressive operational reach.
Additionally, it can be equipped with Cobham Wing Air Refueling Pod (WARP) systems to function as an aerial refueling tanker via the hose-and-drogue method.
For survivability in contested environments, the C-390 can be equipped with a comprehensive self-protection suite comprising of a radar warning receiver (RWR), laser warning system (LWR), missile approach warning system (MAWS), chaff and flare countermeasures, directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM), an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) pod, and ballistic protection.
Operational Track Record and Market Success
The C-390 has established a credible operational record since entering service with the FAB in 2019, followed by Portugal in 2023 and Hungary in 2024.
The current fleet has demonstrated exceptional reliability, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%.
This performance has contributed to the platform’s growing market success. To date, the C-390 has been selected by ten air forces worldwide, including several NATO members.
Current customers include Brazil (7 delivered of a planned 19), Portugal (2), Hungary (1), Austria (4), the Czech Republic (2), the Netherlands (5), South Korea (3), and an undisclosed customer.
Additionally, Sweden has recently confirmed the acquisition of four aircraft, and Slovakia has selected the type for a three-aircraft procurement.
Currently, it appears that the all-inclusive unit cost of each C-390 (i.e., the aircraft plus its spare parts, training and ground support equipment) stands at around $160 million to $180 million per aircraft.
Challenging the Hercules Legacy
The C-390’s market success represents a significant challenge to the long-standing dominance of Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Hercules in the tactical transport segment.
For decades, the adage “Only a Herc can replace a Herc” held true, as no competing platform offered the right mix of useful lift, versatility, and cost-effectiveness in one package.
However, Embraer has approached the market not with a Hercules clone but with a fundamentally different solution to the same operational requirements.
The competition between the C-390 Millennium and C-130J-30 Super Hercules represents not just a battle between comparable aircraft but between two distinct design methods: twin jet engines versus four turboprops.
While the C-130J-30 offers advantages in hot-and-high performance and operations from unprepared airstrips (with a takeoff distance of 1,003 m at maximum load compared to the C-390’s 1,524 m), the C-390 counters with higher cruise speeds, potentially lower maintenance costs, and the key efficiency advantages of its commercial engines.
The C-390’s jet propulsion allows for higher cruising speeds, shorter mission completion times, and greater fuel efficiency on longer flights compared to turboprop aircraft. This approach has clearly resonated with operators looking to modernize their tactical transport fleets.
Market Expansion Strategy
Embraer is actively pursuing further market expansion for the C-390, with particular focus on the Middle East, additional European customers, Latin America, and South Asia.
In the Middle East, Embraer sees significant potential as many countries operate aging fleets of medium transport aircraft.
The company has partnered with SAMI to promote the C-390 to Saudi Arabia, which is looking to replace an aging fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft. A potential Saudi order could reach 25 units, with a decision expected within the next two to four years.
In India, Embraer is pursuing the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems. This collaboration could potentially lead to local assembly if a large-scale order materializes.
For major orders, Embraer has indicated willingness to establish overseas production lines where it makes business sense.
The addition of ISR capabilities will expand the C-390’s mission envelope, potentially opening new market segments. By developing the platform into a multi-role asset capable of transport, refueling, and now ISR missions, Embraer strengthens its value proposition to air forces seeking to maximize operational capability while minimizing fleet diversity.
As order momentum builds, Embraer is carefully managing its production capacity. The company handed over three C-390s in 2024 and plans to double that output this year, with a goal of reaching an annual production rate of 12 units by 2030.
To support this growth, Embraer is also actively working to establish strategic partnerships aimed at solidifying its presence in key markets and creating additional production capacity.
In March 2025, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto visited Warsaw to discuss establishing a final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium in Poland.
This proposed facility would primarily serve European customers, with Embraer officials stating that the project could generate $1 billion in economic value and create 600 specialized jobs in Poland.
Parallel to its Polish initiatives, Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) on April 1, 2025, during the LAAD Defense & Security trade fair in Rio de Janeiro.
While the MoU primarily focuses on commercial aviation through potential E2 jet production, it may facilitate broader defense collaborations.
Brazil’s defense minister, José Mucio, disclosed that Embraer is currently negotiating to sell KC-390 military transport aircraft to Turkey, alongside ongoing discussions with Poland and Finland.
