Brazilian Air Force reduces KC/C-390 buy

Since the first KC/C-390 (top) was formally received by the FAB on 4 September 2019, the type has been fielded in numerous operations across Brazil, including supporting the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. (Brazilian Air Force)

The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira: FAB) has reduced the contract for its acquisition of the Embraer KC/C-390 Millennium transport aircraft from 28 to 15 units after negotiations for a contract modification failed.

The decision was announced on 12 November by the FAB's Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior. The FAB initiated a negotiation process with Embraer on 23 April seeking a consensual solution.

Embraer reported that it did not accept the proposal and that it will seek legal action and evaluate the effects of the reduction on its business. A total of 28 production aircraft, worth BRL7.25 billion (USD3.26 billion in 2014), were ordered in May 2014 to replace the Lockheed Martin C-130M Hercules aircraft fleet.

Four KC/C-390s have been inducted by the Squadron Zeus, located at the Wing 2 in Anápolis, in the state of Goiás.