“Embraer is excited to return to Aero India to showcase the KC-390 Millennium and our broad range of defense and security solutions,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The KC-390 Millennium is rapidly expanding its global operator base, impressing the industry with its modern capabilities, versatility, and reliability. Our team and partners will be fully engaged at Aero India in support of India's aviation and defense ambitions.”
KC-390 Millennium: Versatility and Performance The KC-390 Millennium stands out in Embraer’s defense lineup for its exceptional versatility and operational efficiency. Capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload, it surpasses other medium-sized military transport aircraft in both speed (470 knots) and range. The aircraft is configured for multi-mission capabilities, including:Cargo and troop transport and deployment
Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
Search and rescue (SAR)
Aerial firefighting
Humanitarian relief missions
Designed to operate on temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel, the KC-390 also boasts air-to-air refueling capabilities, both as a tanker and receiver. Notably, it can refuel another KC-390 using wing-mounted refueling pods.
Proven Global Performance Since its entry into service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, followed by the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 has demonstrated remarkable reliability with a 93% mission capability rate and over 99% mission completion rate, amassing more than 16,300 flight hours.In addition to Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, several countries have chosen the KC-390 for their defense fleets, including:
Netherlands (2022)
Austria, Czech Republic, and Republic of Korea (2023)
Sweden, Slovakia, and an undisclosed customer (2024)
Embraer’s Footprint in India India hosts over 40 Embraer aircraft spanning 11 different types across defense, commercial, and executive aviation sectors. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Border Security Force (BSF) operate Legacy 600 aircraft for VIP and government transportation. Additionally, the IAF operates the ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system based on the Embraer ERJ145 platform. In the commercial sector, Star Air operates an all-Embraer fleet, including E175 and ERJ145 aircraft. About Embraer Founded in 1969, Embraer is a global aerospace leader headquartered in Brazil, manufacturing aircraft for commercial, executive, defense, and agricultural markets. With over 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, an Embraer aircraft takes off approximately every 10 seconds, serving more than 150 million passengers annually. The company maintains industrial facilities, offices, and service centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
