The Austrian and Dutch Ministries of Defense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to modernize their air fleets through the joint acquisition of the Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This partnership aims to replace the older Hercules C-130s with newer, more capable models that meet the contemporary requirements of military and humanitarian operations.
Austria plans to acquire four C-390s to replace its costly-to-maintain C-130Ks, with an estimated cost per unit ranging between 130 and 150 million euros. The first deliveries are expected by 2026. The C-390 was selected for its superior transport capabilities, capable of carrying Black Hawk helicopters or light tanks such as the Pandur Evo.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands intends to purchase five C-390s, thereby increasing its annual flight capacity from 2,400 to 4,000 hours. This expansion is justified by recent operational needs such as the 2021 evacuations from Afghanistan and increased demands on Europe’s eastern flank.