Embraer signs C390M deal with Netherlands

The Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract for nine Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft in a collaborative purchase with Austria. The agreement is part of a  “Replacement of Tactical Airlift Capacity” project.  In 2022, the Royal Netherlands Air Force decided to replace 4 C-130H Hercules transports with 5 C-390 Millennium airlifters, with a first delivery in 2026.  In 2023, the Federal Ministry of Defense of Austria reached a similar decision to acquire four C-390 to replace its three C-130K Hercules aircraft, with first deliveries in 2026 or 2027.  

The two customers have decided to consolidate their order and create a partnership with multiple benefits.  The Netherlands and Austria will be able to take advantage of share training, logistics, and future platform growth opportunities.  The two countries join Portugal and Hungary as existing operators and the Czech Republic as another future European operator.

The C-390 Millennium is a tactical transport aircraft. Equipped with two specially designed Pratt and Whitney V2500-E5 engines, it can transport 26 tons of cargo and is specifically designed for takeoff and landing on semi-prepared and unpaved airfields. It can also be configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390. 

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Ernest Arvai

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