Greece Finalizes Agreement to Acquire Embraer KC-390 Millennium Fleet

The Greek government has officially finalized a deal to procure a new fleet of KC-390 Millennium aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The agreement, announced by Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Dendias, includes an initial purchase of three aircraft with options for an additional three, representing a significant modernization effort for the Hellenic Air Force.

The procurement is being executed through a government-to-government arrangement with Portugal, which is serving as an intermediary for the transaction. This deal follows a June approval by a Greek parliamentary committee and comes with an estimated budget of approximately 600 million euros, or 672 million dollars. The first delivery of the aircraft is expected to take place next year.

Minister Dendias highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting that it provides the Hellenic Air Force with two critical new capabilities: a jet-powered transport aircraft and an air-to-air refueling tanker. By utilizing a hose-and-drogue system, the KC-390 will allow Greece to refuel its fighter jets mid-flight, a capability Dendias described as a significant tactical advantage for the nation's defense.

The KC-390 is intended to replace Greece's aging fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft. As the Millennium enters service, the Hellenic Air Force will benefit from standardized training, logistics, and operational support provided through the partnership with Portugal. Portugal has previously expanded its own commitment to the platform and has established options for additional aircraft that could be shared among NATO members.

Bosco Da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer’s defense unit, welcomed the announcement, stating that the decision reflects the confidence that leading NATO nations place in the aircraft. Greece is now the seventh European country to select the KC-390, joining a growing list of international customers that includes Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden.

The KC-390 Millennium is designed for multi-mission utility, capable of transporting up to 26 metric tons of cargo while maintaining a speed of 470 knots. Embraer has been actively expanding its production capacity to meet rising global demand, with the company aiming to reach an annual output of 10 aircraft by the end of the decade. Additionally, the manufacturer is exploring opportunities to enter the United States market, including a proposal for a dedicated American final assembly line.