27 August 2019

Portugal signs KC-390 contract with Embraer

by Nicholas Fiorenza

Portugal signed a contract worth approximately USD920 million with Embraer for five KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft, a full flight simulator, aircraft maintenance, and 12 years of logistics support on 22 August, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the Brazilian aerospace company announced the same day.

Portugal signed a contract with Embraer for five KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft on 22 August. (Embraer)

Delivery of the aircraft will take place between 2023 and 2027, the MND told Jane’s.

The package includes a wide range of ground-support equipment, an air-to-air refuelling system, firefighting kit, a medical evacuation (medevac) system, an electronic warfare (EW) and countermeasures systems, aircraft and engine maintenance, training equipment, mission support systems, and administrative costs.

Elbit Systems announced on 25 August that it had been selected by the Portuguese MND to supply a complete EW suite for the KC-390, comprised of radar and laser warning, infrared missile warning, countermeasures dispensing, directional IR countermeasures, and active electronic countermeasures systems.

The contract also includes the construction and adaptation of infrastructure to accommodate and sustain the fleet at Montijo Air Base No 6.

The Portuguese government approved the start of negotiations with Embraer in June 2017. Negotiations between a team of officials from several ministries and the Portuguese Air Force and Embraer took place from August 2017 to mid-2019.

The fleet will replace the C-130H Hercules transports of Squadron 501 ‘Bisontes’ in roles including humanitarian support, medevac, search and rescue, firefighting, troop and cargo transport, and aerial refuelling.

Portugal signed a contract worth approximately USD920 million with Embraer for five KC-390 multi-mis...

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