South Korea Selects Embraer C-390 Millennium as New Military Transport Plane

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace company, has secured a contract to supply South Korea with its latest military transport aircraft, the C-390 Millennium. The deal involves the delivery of an unspecified number of specially configured planes tailored to meet the requirements of the Republic of Korea Air Force. Alongside the aircraft, Embraer will provide comprehensive support services, including training, spare parts, and associated equipment.

Republic of Korea Air Force becomes the first Asian customer for the twin-engine C-390 Millennium, marking the seventh nation globally to choose this advanced military tactical transport aircraft. Embraer CEO Bosco da Costa Jr. expressed a warm welcome to the new customer, highlighting the C-390 Millennium proven efficiency, serviceability, and speed in carrying out diverse missions.

In a move to boost local production and collaboration, Embraer will offer a consortium and offset package to enable the manufacturing of C-390 parts within South Korea. The company will also assist in identifying a local provider for maintenance and overhaul, ensuring sustained support for the aircraft. This collaborative effort is seen as a significant step in enhancing Brazil-South Korea relations and fostering growth in both nations aerospace and defense industries.

The C-390 Millennium, which entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, has already amassed over 10,800 flight hours, showcasing its reliability in transporting personnel and cargo for various militaries globally. With a mission completion rate exceeding 99 percent and an operational availability of 80 percent, the aircraft boasts impressive performance metrics. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 kilometers/510 miles per hour) and carrying a payload of 26 tons, the C-390 Millennium serves a versatile role, including soldier transportation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling.