The Portuguese Air Force is set to collaborate with Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force in studies aimed at enhancing the KC-390 Millennium airlift aircraft with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This partnership was formalized through an agreement signed in December 2024, focusing particularly on improvements related to maritime patrol operations.
The announcement about this collaborative initiative was made during the Latin America Aerospace and Defence exhibition held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the event, a concept image representing a modular ISR roll-on/roll-off mission system for the KC-390 was showcased. This innovative system is designed to integrate seamlessly without compromising the aircraft’s existing multi-mission functionalities.
Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, expressed optimism about the collaboration with Embraer, stating that the development process is progressing efficiently and in a structured manner. He emphasized that the thorough assessment of the KC-390 Millennium includes addressing both current and future operational requirements of the Brazilian Air Force. Damasceno welcomed the involvement of the Portuguese Air Force in the study, highlighting their expertise and experience as valuable assets in optimizing the aircraft’s potential for ISR and maritime patrol missions.
The KC-390 Millennium is a versatile multi-mission aircraft capable of performing a wide array of tasks, including cargo handling, air refueling, airdrop, search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and aerial firefighting. Its design allows for rapid reconfiguration for different missions, achievable within a mere three hours. Furthermore, to enhance its survivability during operations, the KC-390 can be equipped with various self-protection measures, including a self-protection suite, radar warning receivers, and a comprehensive set of countermeasures against missiles and other threats.
Potentially outperforming in speed and altitude, the KC-390 can fly at a speed of Mach 0.8, roughly 988 kilometers (614 miles) per hour, and reach altitudes of up to 36,000 feet (10,973 meters). The aircraft is built to accommodate a maximum payload capacity of 26 tons, featuring robust engines and specialized landing gear for operational efficiency.
The KC-390 enjoys operational status not only with the air forces of Portugal, Brazil, and Hungary but has also been selected by ten other air forces globally, underlining its strategic significance in international military aviation.
