On April 22, 2025, OnAlert reported that the Brazilian Embraer C-390 Millennium has officially been added to Greece’s Long-Term Defence Procurement Program as a potential replacement for the aging US-made C-130 Hercules aircraft used by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). The Air Force General Staff has proposed the initial purchase of at least three C-390s, with the possibility of acquiring more in later phases.
This procurement plan is part of a 12-year defense strategy, but its execution is not expected until the end of the decade, as current priorities focus on upgrading 38 F-16 Block 50 fighters to the Viper configuration. In the meantime, Greece plans to sustain operational capabilities with a limited number of existing C-130s and the C-27J Spartan fleet, which is also set for upgrades, alongside a new five-year Follow-On Support contract planned for 2026.
Despite ongoing efforts by the HAF, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), and the 356th Tactical Transport Squadron ‘Hercules,’ the availability rates for the C-130 remain low, with only four aircraft operational as of early 2025, and a fifth expected to return to service soon.
Greece had previously requested decommissioned C-130s from the United States, but these were found unsuitable due to high restoration costs. A new request has been submitted for operational surplus aircraft, with some anticipated to be available in 2025.
Interest in the C-390 Millennium has grown since 2023, with Embraer showcasing the aircraft to the HAF on January 25, June 26, and November 22 of that year, including static displays and flight evaluations at Elefsis Air Base. Greek personnel participated in familiarization flights and cargo loading demonstrations.
On February 20, 2025, senior Greek officials attended another static presentation at Elefsis, followed by briefings on the aircraft’s technical specifications and options.
The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft powered by jets, featuring a cargo hold that measures 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 26,000 kilograms, capable of carrying up to 80 fully equipped soldiers, 74 stretchers, or vehicles such as two M113 armored personnel carriers or one Sikorsky H-60 helicopter.
The aircraft is driven by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each generating 31,330 pounds of thrust, which are also utilized in the Airbus A320 commercial fleet, with over 7,200 units manufactured worldwide. This shared engine design is anticipated to reduce maintenance expenses and streamline logistics.
In terms of performance, the C-390 achieves a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of Mach 0.8. It can cover a distance of 5,500 kilometers with a 15-ton payload and operates at a service ceiling of 36,000 feet. In contrast, the C-130J has a maximum speed of 670 km/h, a range of 3,300 kilometers with a similar payload, and a ceiling of 29,000 feet.
The C-390’s cargo bay is designed without internal landing gear sponsons, unlike the C-130, which limits usable internal width in certain configurations. The external design of the landing gear compartments in the C-390 allows for a wider and taller cargo hold, facilitating the transport of larger equipment.
The aircraft is capable of performing various missions, including cargo and troop transport, aeromedical evacuation, aerial refueling, and firefighting. It features Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics, fly-by-wire flight controls, directional infrared countermeasures, and continuously computed drop point systems.
The aircraft can be rapidly configured for different missions using modular kits. It has received initial certification under civil aviation regulations (14 CFR Part 25), followed by military certification, and is capable of operating from semi-prepared or damaged runways.
Greece is among several NATO and European nations evaluating or opting for the C-390. Confirmed buyers include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, and South Korea. Morocco has received one aircraft for assessment.
Slovakia made its selection in December 2024, with deliveries planned for 2025 and later. Sweden confirmed the acquisition of four aircraft in April 2025 after a selection process that commenced in November 2024. Other nations currently negotiating or showing interest include Poland, Finland, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Angola, India, Egypt, Colombia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, and Rwanda.
Recently, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands agreed to a joint procurement for NATO special missions involving nine modified C-390 aircraft. Portugal, which joined the program in 2010 and received its first unit in October 2022, is involved in developing a new ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) variant called C-390 IVR. This version will feature synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, advanced communication systems, and external payload hardpoints, designed with a modular roll-on/roll-off configuration to ensure versatility across missions. These advancements were revealed at the LAAD 2025 defense exhibition, where formal cooperation agreements between Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force were established.
The Brazilian Air Force has utilized the aircraft for various purposes, including humanitarian missions in Lebanon, Haiti, and Ukraine; disaster relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic; supply flights to Antarctica; and international exercises like Salitre IV and Culminating in the United States.
The operational fleet boasts readiness levels exceeding 93% and mission success rates surpassing 99%. Each unit is estimated to cost around €80 million, with operational expenses lower than those of the C-130J due to engine commonality and adherence to commercial maintenance standards.
Currently, 35 aircraft have been ordered by different nations, with negotiations for up to 120 additional units ongoing. Greece is among the potential buyers, considering six aircraft. Although the Ministry of National Defence has yet to make a final decision, the C-390 Millennium is one of the top two candidates being assessed, alongside either new or used C-130Js.
No official procurement agreements have been finalized, and timelines are contingent on budget approvals. Greece’s transport aviation requirements encompass not only tactical lift capabilities but also support for medical evacuations and firefighting missions, all of which the C-390 can fulfill.
The aircraft was presented to Greek officials as early as November 2023 as part of a strategy to replace the C-130 fleet. Embraer’s outreach to Greece is part of a larger marketing initiative in Europe, bolstered by partnerships with European industry stakeholders and national governments.
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