IRIA News

4 minute read

Greece has signed a contract to acquire three Embraer KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, with options for three additional aircraft, in a government-to-government agreement with Portugal.

Signed in Athens on November 2, 2026, the deal will strengthen the Hellenic Air Force’s strategic airlift capabilities and provide Greece with its first air-to-air refueling capability, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027.

The agreement was signed by Greece’s Ministry of National Defense, with Portugal acting as the intermediary for the procurement. Funding for the acquisition was approved in June 2026, paving the way for the finalized contract.

The purchase allows Greece to join a growing group of European NATO members that have selected the Brazilian-made KC-390 for military transport and multi-mission operations.

Greece Becomes Seventh European KC-390 Operator

With the acquisition, Greece becomes the seventh European country to select the KC-390 Millennium, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

The growing number of European orders reflects increasing interest among NATO and EU member states in modern military transport aircraft capable of supporting a wide range of operational requirements.

The agreement also provides opportunities for cooperation with existing European operators in training, maintenance, technical support and logistics. Such cooperation is expected to strengthen interoperability between the Hellenic Air Force and allied forces, particularly during joint exercises and multinational operations.

Bosco Da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, welcomed Greece’s decision, saying the agreement demonstrated the confidence that NATO members place in the aircraft.

He said the KC-390’s operational performance, reliability and cost efficiency made it a suitable option for countries seeking to strengthen their military airlift capabilities. He added that the Greek acquisition further established the aircraft as a preferred military transport solution among NATO allies.

KC-390 Adds Airlift and Refueling Capabilities

The KC-390 Millennium is a next-generation military transport aircraft designed to perform multiple missions, including cargo and troop transportation, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian assistance.

According to Embraer, the aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 26 tonnes and reach speeds of up to 470 knots. Its combination of payload capacity, speed and range allows it to transport personnel, military equipment and supplies more quickly than many conventional medium-sized military transport aircraft.

The aircraft is also designed to operate from temporary and unpaved runways, allowing it to support operations at locations with limited aviation infrastructure. This capability is particularly useful for military deployments, disaster response, and logistical missions in areas where access to established airbases may be restricted.

One of the most important additions for Greece is the KC-390’s air-to-air refueling capability. When equipped with a quick-installation refueling system, the aircraft can operate both as an aerial tanker and as a receiver, allowing it to refuel other aircraft or receive fuel from another tanker.

This will provide the Hellenic Air Force with an air-to-air refueling capability, expanding its ability to support longer-range missions and improve the endurance of its aircraft.

Growing KC-390 Customer Base

Beyond Europe, the KC-390 Millennium has been selected by several countries, including Brazil, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia. Brazil was the launch customer, while the aircraft’s growing international customer base has helped establish it as a competitor in the global military transport aircraft market.

Embraer has designed the KC-390 with interoperability as a central requirement. Its advanced communications systems, mission equipment and digital architecture are intended to support operations alongside different military forces, making it suitable for NATO and other multinational missions.

The acquisition represents a significant addition to the Greek military transport fleet, combining strategic airlift, logistical support and aerial refueling capabilities in a single platform. The first delivery in 2027 will mark the beginning of the Hellenic Air Force’s transition to the new aircraft, while the options for three additional KC-390s leave room for a potential expansion of the fleet to six aircraft.