The announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow, with the aircraft now set to move into production flight testing ahead of the integration of systems specific to ROKAF operational requirements.

 

The milestone follows the Republic of Korea’s selection of the C-390 under its LTA-II requirement and represents Embraer’s first C-390 Millennium customer in Asia.

 

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the programme progress demonstrates the maturity and efficiency of the company’s production line, as well as the strength of collaboration with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), ROKAF and local suppliers. He added that industrial cooperation with Korea continues to expand, supporting Embraer’s global supply chain as C-390 production increases to support international customers.

 

Designed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is positioned as a modern military transport aircraft in its class. The aircraft can carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes and can operate at speeds of up to 470 knots, while offering extended operational range compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft.

 

The platform is designed to support a wide range of mission profiles, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop of equipment and personnel, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian operations. The aircraft is also capable of operating from temporary or unpaved runways, supporting flexible deployment scenarios.

 

When configured with quick-install air-to-air refuelling equipment under the KC-390 designation, the aircraft can operate both as an aerial tanker and as a receiver. The platform is fully interoperable within NATO operational environments and is suited to Agile Combat Employment operations.

 

The C-390 Millennium has been selected by multiple air forces globally, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia and Lithuania.