Embraer executive signals interest in Challenger replacement

Embraer believes it can offer a credible replacement for the Royal Danish Air Force’s ageing Challenger fleet, should Denmark choose to proceed.

That is the message from Frederico Lemos, chief commercial officer for international business at Embraer Defense & Security.

The Brazilian aerospace group was in Denmark last week to promote its KC-390 transport aircraft, recently sold to Sweden and now being offered to Copenhagen.

Lemos declined to say whether Embraer is in discussions with Denmark over potential VIP aircraft replacements.

- I will not comment on that, he said speaking to Defence Nordic.

- We believe we have very strong solutions in executive jets and we are leaders in that market. We are always available to demonstrate our capabilities and how our aircraft can add value to Denmark’s operations and those of other countries.

The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation. DALO, declined to comment, citing the ongoing election period.

Aging fleet

Denmark’s fleet of four Challenger aircraft is ageing. 

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

However, there has been little official movement since defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in April 2024 that Denmark would "examine alternatives to the state aircraft role".

The Challengers entered service in 1996. Depending on configuration, each can carry up to 19 passengers. The aircraft are used for a range of tasks, from VIP transport to search and rescue operations in Greenland.

Embraer produces several models that depending on requirement could be used by the RDAF and are similar in seize to the Challengers.

In August 2025, Embraer delivered its two thousandth business jet.