Embraer targets Danish VIP fleet replacement

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is positioning itself as a potential supplier of airlift capability to Denmark and Finland.

The company is also targeting a possible VIP transport requirement in the Nordic region.

Although Embraer was unavailable for comment, it used the recent Danish Defence Annual Conference in Copenhagen to showcase three civil aircraft in camouflage liveries, signalling their suitability for military roles.

The aircraft presented were military variants of the E175, the E190-E2 and the E195-E2.

Under strain

The Royal Danish Air Force is assessing options to replace its Challenger VIP aircraft. According to the Danish Ministry of Defence, the Challenger capability is under strain and approaching the end of its service life.

The ministry has authorised the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, DALO, to examine replacement options.

In April 2024, defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the Challenger fleet had faced increasing challenges in recent years and was nearing retirement.

- This reduces the operational availability of the aircraft, which means there is a need to prioritise the capability for operational tasks, including in particular our obligations within the Kingdom of Denmark, he said.

- We have therefore decided to examine alternatives to the state aircraft role.

Super Tucano

The E195-E2 has also been selected by Scandinavian Airlines, which in July agreed to acquire 45 aircraft of the type, with purchase rights for a further 10.

According to the airline, this is its largest direct jet order from a manufacturer since 1996. It already operates 10 E195LR aircraft from Embraer.

At the conference, Embraer also promoted the A-29 Super Tucano to the Royal Danish Air Force.

Company material states that the light turboprop aircraft can be used for training, reconnaissance and counter-uncrewed aerial system missions.