During a ceremony at the Farnborough Airshow, the Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract to acquire nine Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft. This purchase is part of the “Replacement of Tactical Airlift Capacity” project, a joint procurement effort with Austria. The Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive five advanced aircraft, while the Austrian Air Force will receive four.
This joint acquisition aims to enhance the capability of both countries to quickly deploy or evacuate equipment and personnel efficiently under challenging operational conditions. The advanced tactical capabilities of the C-390 Millennium are expected to improve operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing robust logistical support for various missions, including humanitarian and medical operations.
The C-390 Millennium, developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, offers significant advantages over older models and competitors. Known for its superior performance, increased reliability, and higher transport capacity, the aircraft represents a substantial upgrade.
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft designed for high performance and great reliability. It can carry a maximum payload of 26 metric tons (57,320 lb) or a distributed payload of 23 metric tons (50,706 lb). It has a wing usable fuel capacity of 23.9 metric tons, allowing for a range of 1,080 nautical miles with the maximum payload, which can be extended to 1,470 nautical miles with a lighter load. It offers a range of 3,370 nautical miles for ferry missions, which can reach 4,570 nautical miles with additional internal tanks.