Embraer signed on May 4, 2026 the largest single contract ever awarded for the KC-390 Millennium: a 20-aircraft deal with the United Arab Emirates, comprising 10 firm orders with options for a further 10. The firm order is valued at approximately USD 1 billion, setting a new benchmark for the Brazilian transport aircraft’s export program.
The deal positions the KC-390 as a credible competitor to the C-130J Hercules and A400M Atlas in the medium-heavy tactical transport segment, particularly for nations seeking a modern platform at a lower acquisition and operating cost without sacrificing capabilities such as aerial refueling.
The KC-390 Millennium is now operated by Portugal, the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden and — with this contract — the UAE. The growing roster of international customers, many of them NATO members, underscores confidence in the Brazilian platform’s performance and support ecosystem.
For the Brazilian Air Force, which operates the aircraft as the KC-390 in the tanker-transport role, the export success strengthens the domestic industrial base, reduces unit costs through economies of scale, and supports the continuous development roadmap for the platform.
