The Greek Ministry of National Defence signed a contract on 2 November to acquire three Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft, with options for three additional units. The acquisition is being carried out under a government-to-government agreement between Greece and Portugal, with delivery of the first aircraft to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027.

The new aircraft will strengthen Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refuelling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with NATO forces and other allies. The agreement also opens opportunities for cooperation with European operators of the type in training, technical support and logistics.

Greece has become the seventh European country to select the KC-390 Millennium, following Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. According to Embraer’s announcement, outside Europe the type has also been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said Greece’s selection reaffirmed the confidence NATO members place in the aircraft. He highlighted its performance, reliability and cost efficiency as key advantages for countries seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.

The KC-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo and reach a speed of 470 knots, approximately 870 kilometres per hour. In addition to transporting cargo and troops, it is designed for personnel and equipment airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian operations. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

When fitted with air-to-air refuelling equipment, the KC-390 can operate as a tanker and receive fuel from another aircraft. Its digital architecture, communications equipment and mission systems are designed to support joint operations with other military forces, a key consideration in Greece’s acquisition.