Embraer and the Dutch Ministry of Defence have signed a contract to equip the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s C-390 Millennium fleet with an advanced Aeromedical Evacuation System, further expanding the aircraft’s multi-mission capabilities. The agreement, finalized at the Paris Air Show, includes one firm order and seven additional purchase options.
The new system features a roll-on/roll-off medical module that enables rapid transformation of the C-390 into a fully equipped airborne hospital. The modular unit is designed to provide life-saving care in flight, including support for patients requiring intensive treatment or infection isolation, while ensuring the safety of both medical personnel and aircrew.
Developed to integrate seamlessly with the C-390’s Cargo Handling System (CHS), the aeromedical modules can be quickly installed through the aircraft’s rear ramp. This plug-and-play design supports a wide range of missions, from disaster relief to humanitarian operations and military medical evacuations.
Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of the Materiel and IT Command of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, stated:
“This system will expand the operational capabilities of our C-390 Millennium fleet, transforming them into a modular airborne medical facility capable of delivering life-saving care both in the air and on the ground. With these new capabilities, we will be able to provide vital assistance when it is needed most.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the significance of the agreement:
“We are proud to support the Netherlands in strengthening their aeromedical response capabilities with this innovative and mission-ready solution. This modular medical system is a powerful example of the C-390’s remarkable evolution potential.”
Since entering service with Brazil in 2019, Portugal in 2023, and Hungary in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%. With a maximum payload capacity of 26 tons and speeds up to 470 knots, the aircraft supports a variety of roles including cargo transport, troop deployment, search and rescue, firefighting, and aeromedical missions. Its ability to operate from unpaved runways adds further flexibility for remote and austere environments.
The Netherlands’ adoption of the aeromedical module underlines the growing appeal of the C-390 as a next-generation transport platform for NATO and allied forces, with scalable options to support future coalition operations.