Embraer has started the structural assembly of the first C-390 Millennium for the Austrian Air Force.
Vienna ordered the aircraft in a joint procurement with the Netherlands in July last year.
The agreement includes five systems for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and four for the Austrian Air Force.
Austria selected the Millennium in 2023 to replace its C-130H Hercules fleet.
While negotiations with Amsterdam for the joint purchase are ongoing, the estimated cost for Austria’s four aircraft ranges between 130 and 150 million euros ($139–160 million).
“The C-390 is setting new standards as a medium airlift, truly multi-mission aircraft. It offers an unbeatable combination of the latest technology, reliability, and low operational costs, with unmatched performance,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Features
The C-390 Millennium can perform various military and civilian missions such as cargo transport, personnel and vehicles, and peacekeeping operations.
It can also be deployed for humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and firefighting.
The cargo floor is designed to transport heavy-tracked and wheeled vehicles of up to 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds).
Configured for air-to-air refueling missions, the aircraft can operate as a tanker and receiver.
It can refuel fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, operating at altitudes between 2,000 feet (609 meters) and 32,000 feet (9,753 meters).
C-390 Worldwide Procurements
Several nations have ordered the C-390 in recent years, with Sweden and Slovakia selecting the aircraft in 2024, soon after Hungary officially introduced the Millennium into service.
The Czech Republic and South Korea joined the list of countries opting for the C-390 in 2023.
The Portuguese Air Force also began operating the C-390 two years ago, while the aircraft first entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019.
