Embraer has delivered the sixth C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force, marking the country’s first aircraft in the full operational capability (FOC) configuration. The delivery confirms that the aircraft meets all the requirements set by the service. With the new configuration, the C-390 can perform all missions it was designed for, including cargo transport and aerial refueling. Embraer President Bosco da Costa Junior expressed his enthusiasm for delivering the first FOC-configured aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force, stating that it will now be able to fully utilize the aircraft’s capabilities and showcase its potential.

Designated as KC-390 Millennium in Brazil, the aircraft will be operated by the First Troop Transport Group. The remaining five C-390s in the air force’s fleet will also be upgraded to full operational capabilities. The C-390 is described as the “most modern” military transport aircraft of its generation by Embraer. It features a versatile multi-mission platform that offers improved mobility, flexibility, and high productivity at a low cost. The aircraft has a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and a top speed of over 470 knots. It can support various missions, including medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian operations, even on unpaved runways. In Brazil, it is primarily used as an aerial refueler with a mission completion rate of over 99 percent.

Originally, the Brazilian Air Force planned to acquire 28 C-390 aircraft from Embraer to establish a substantial fleet of cargo planes and aerial refuelers. However, due to budget constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the order was reduced to 22 aircraft. Despite the reduced order, the Brazilian Air Force stated that it ensures their operational needs are still met.