Greece and Portugal have signed an intergovernmental agreement for the supply of three Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-role military transport aircraft for the Hellenic Air Force. This was announced by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer on its official website. The total value of the contract is approximately 590 million euros—a sum that covers not only the aircraft themselves, but also a complete package of associated services: electronic warfare equipment, flight and technical crew training, logistics support, and lifecycle maintenance.
Portugal as the Intermediary in the Deal
The contract architecture is structured around an intergovernmental mediation model: Portugal, which is itself a customer for the KC-390, acts as the buyer from Embraer and then transfers the aircraft to Greece under a signed bilateral agreement. Such a mechanism has already been used in a number of European defense procurement projects, allowing the parties to optimize logistics, standardize maintenance procedures, and reduce individual risks associated with direct contracts with a foreign manufacturer.
Delivery Schedule and NATO Standards Compliance
The first of the three KC-390s destined for Athens is expected in 2027, the second in 2029, and the third in 2031. All three aircraft will be manufactured in a configuration fully compliant with NATO requirements, ensuring interoperability with alliance infrastructure and enabling their use in joint operations. Production is carried out at Embraer’s facilities in Brazil.
Replacing the Aging C-130 Fleet
The primary driver for the acquisition is the need to replace the aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft, which form the backbone of Greece's tactical transport aviation. In November 2025, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias reported that ten transport aircraft were in service: five C-130s and five C-27Js, with another two undergoing scheduled maintenance. Previously, Dendias had stated that the number of airframes actually mission-ready dropped to as low as one C-130 and one C-27, highlighting the urgency of fleet renewal. The new KC-390s are intended to close this deficit and provide a robust transport capability for the Air Force.
What is the KC-390 Millennium
The Embraer KC-390 is a twin-turbofan medium military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 tons. The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of tasks: transporting personnel and equipment, medical evacuation of the wounded, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian missions. The KC configuration includes an aerial refuelling system, which expands the aircraft's operational capabilities in theaters with limited infrastructure.
The KC-390 Trend in Europe
Greece has become the sixth NATO country to place an order for the KC-390. The buyer list already includes Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Collectively, the six alliance member states are expected to receive 22 Brazilian transport aircraft. In addition, Slovakia and Lithuania have also selected the KC-390 to modernize their transport fleets, although intergovernmental agreements with these countries were still being finalized at the time of publication. Thus, Embraer is securing a significant niche in the European tactical transport market, competing with traditional suppliers Lockheed Martin and Airbus.
