Nordic KC-390 push highlights Embraer’s strategy for European industrial cooperation

Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, is targeting additional defence sales in the Nordic region, with potential spillover benefits for local industry.

After securing a contract in October for four KC-390 transport aircraft for Sweden, the company is now focusing on Denmark and Finland.

Senior management were not available for interview, but Embraer confirmed to Defence Nordic that it sees a market potential in the Nordics, including opportunities for industrial participation.

- Embraer is building a complete ecosystem around the KC-390 in Europe, encompassing training and maintenance, repair and overhaul, said Marcio Monteiro, chief marketing officer of Embraer Defense and Security, in a written statement:

- It is also Embraer’s policy to build partnerships involving local industries.

Joint procurement 

The KC-390 Millennium is a medium-sized, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft designed for multi-mission operations. It is in service with Brazil, Portugal and Hungary, and contracts have been signed with several other European customers.

Embraer has described the Swedish contract as an important milestone for European defence, supporting joint procurement, interoperability and long-term cooperation around the KC-390 platform.

In December, Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., the Polish state-owned defence group, which operates dozens of production plants, service facilities and research centres.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Embraer is reinforcing its offer of the KC-390 Millennium as Poland’s future multi-role transport and aerial refuelling aircraft.

40 percent faster

The Royal Danish Air Force has operated Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft since 1975, initially flying three C-130H variants. From 2005, these were replaced by four C-130J aircraft.

Denmark has also joined the Nato Multinational Multi Role Tanker Transport Fleet, MFF.

According to Embraer, the KC-390 is 40 percent faster than the C-130J due to its jet engines. The fleet has logged more than 20,000 flight hours.

Finland participates in the Strategic Airlift Capability programme, established in 2008 and comprising 12 member nations. 

Through the programme, Finland has access to Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft, with a national allocation of 100 flight hours per year.

Civil aviation ties

A Nordic airlift contract would add to Embraer’s existing and substantial civil aviation presence in the region.

In July, Scandinavian Airlines, SAS, entered into an agreement to acquire 45 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for a further 10 aircraft.

Sweden is using an existing contract framework with Austria and the Netherlands to accelerate delivery of its KC-390 aircraft. 

The arrangement includes seven additional purchase options, potentially enabling further European acquisitions.  

The Netherlands and Austria collectively ordered nine KC-390 aircraft in 2024.