Embraer floats Nordic hub for KC-390: - Why not?

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is expanding its European airlift footprint, with growing attention on the Nordic region.

On Thursday, the company hosted an industry and media day at Roskilde Airport, promoting the KC-390 tactical transport aircraft as Denmark considers its future airlift requirements.

- We are growing the ecosystem for the KC-390 in Europe, said Frederico Lemos, chief commercial officer for international business at Embraer Defense & Security, speaking to Defence Nordic.

- We already have a number of nations that have selected the KC-390. This is a good moment to engage with industry on how we build that ecosystem.

Nordic targets

Following Sweden’s decision to acquire four aircraft – the first Nordic customer – Embraer is now targeting Denmark, with Finland seen as a potential prospect and Norway a longer-term opportunity.

A broader Nordic customer base could underpin a regional industrial hub. 

In Sweden, Embraer works closely with Saab on both the Gripen E/F and the KC-390 programmes, with Brazilian engineers based in Linköping and Swedish personnel working with Embraer in Brazil.

- Sweden was the first Nordic country to join and has invited others. We understand there will be a requirement for this type of capability here as well, Lemos said:

- This is the right moment to engage with industry, understand companies’ capabilities and see how we can create value together in supporting and developing the KC-390.

Lemos said he sees "amazing capabilities" in Denmark’s defence industry, despite its relatively small scale.

- I will not single out any specific company, but we had discussions yesterday and today. We are very impressed.

If additional Nordic countries join Sweden in operating the aircraft, Lemos argued that a regional support structure would make sense.

- Why not? If we have a solid base of aircraft, we need to address logistics, support and country-specific technologies. From what we hear from customers, it is key for them to have maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in their own country or region, he said.

- We need to learn and structure this the right way. That is why it is important to speak with governments, defence forces and industry.

While declining to guarantee local contracts, Lemos described industrial cooperation as "very likely", noting that Embraer has established multiple partnerships in other customer nations.

- We have very good cooperation with our partner countries, he said, citing Portugal, where Embraer has established KC-390 production activities.

The KC-390 has recently undergone cold weather testing in northern Sweden and, according to sources, in Greenland. Lemos declined to comment on the latter but said the aircraft performed well in harsh conditions in Sweden.

- The aircraft is fit to operate in any northern country that might consider it, he said.

The KC-390 is similar in size to the C-130 Hercules, which is not currently in Danish service. 

It can carry up to 26 tonnes and cruises at significantly higher speeds than traditional turboprop transports.