Embraer-HAI MoU announcement suggests Millennium selection by Greece

The wording of an announcement of an industrial MoU between Embraer and HAI suggest that the Hellenic Air Force may have selected the KC/C-390 Millennium airlifter. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

An industrial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Embraer and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) suggests a selection of the KC/C-390 Millennium airlifter by Greece.

In announcing the MoU on 22 May 2026, the Brazilian manufacturer referenced the Hellenic Air Force's (HAF's) “future [KC/]C-390 fleet” while the Greek maintenance, repair, and modernisation company referred to “serving the operational needs of the HAF”, despite no selection yet being announced by the service.

“The agreement … is designed to equip the HAF with the operational and support autonomy needed to manage its future C-390 aircraft fleet, while advancing the capabilities of the domestic industry,” Embraer said.

“Developing C-390 maintenance and support capabilities in Greece does not only serve the operational needs of the HAF – it also builds an industrial foundation of lasting, long-term value for our country,” Executive Chairman of Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Alexandros Diakopoulos, said.

The MoU establishes a framework for future strategic cooperation and sustainment capabilities related to the KC/C-390 aircraft in Greece.

As noted by Janes World Air Forces , three HAF Lockheed Martin C-130B and 10 C-130H Hercules airlifters modernised in the early 2000s are now in need of replacement. No formal competition was announced, but if the HAF has now settled on the KC/C-390 it likely selected the type after also evaluating the C-130J and Airbus A400M. With a payload of 26 tons, the KC/C-390 sits between the C-130J (22 tons in the stretched configuration) and the A400M (37 tons, soon being expanded to 40 tons).

Potential order numbers and delivery dates have not been disclosed.