Paris Air Show 2025: Portugal signs for additional KC-390, options for further 10 for NATO allies

A Brazilian Air Force KC-390 was displayed at the Paris Air Show 2025. Portugal used the event to add to its procurement, with an additional aircraft for itself and up to 10 for European and/or NATO allies. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Portugal has signed for an additional Embraer KC-390 Millennium airlifter to add to the five already contracted, at the same time taking up an option for a further 10 airframes that it could sell to allies on a government-to-government basis.

Announced on 16 June at the Paris Air Show 2025, the deal will see the sixth aircraft delivered to the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa: FAP) in 2029, while discussions are ongoing with other European and/or NATO members who might wish to acquire their aircraft directly from Portugal so as to avoid potential delays as future orders backlog production.

“In August 2019 the government of Portugal and Embraer signed a contract for the acquisition of five KC-390 aircraft, and with this potential additional acquisition, the Portuguese Air Force's transport fleet will include six new-generation KC-390 aircraft, expanding its capacity to fulfil the missions of the armed forces and other missions of public interest,” Embraer said.

“Additionally, Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force intend to include 10 purchase options in the current contract for potential future acquisitions by European nations or NATO members through the Portuguese State in government-to-government negotiations. This will allow for increased interoperability and co-operation with new operators of the KC-390 aircraft, with benefits in reducing costs associated with training, logistical support, and life cycle, as well as the growing involvement and development of the Portuguese aeronautical cluster.”