Embraer, the renowned Brazilian aerospace company, has once again brought its C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to South Africa, this time to participate in the African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD 2024). The aircraft arrived last week, marking another significant step in Embraer’s ongoing efforts to secure sales of the KC/C-390 to the South African Air Force (SAAF).
Earlier demonstrations of the C-390 Millennium to the SAAF and other government departments showcased the aircraft’s versatility and advanced capabilities. The C-390 is a new-generation multi-mission aircraft designed to perform a variety of tasks, including air-to-air refuelling, humanitarian aid delivery, search and rescue, and aerial fire-fighting.
A notable demonstration took place at Air Force Base Waterkloof on November 24, 2023. A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) KC-390 Millennium aircraft landed and was greeted by senior Department of Defence (DoD) officials, including Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, Chief of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya, and Chief of the SAAF Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo. The KC-390, a tanker/transport variant of the C-390, can also be configured for roles such as medical evacuation, cargo and troop transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
During the visit, the KC-390 conducted a demonstration flight with SANDF members and representatives from various government departments on board. This flight highlighted the aircraft’s cutting-edge capabilities and performance. The visit began on November 23, 2023, when the KC-390 arrived at OR Tambo International Airport and stayed overnight.
In a statement to Parliament in May, Minister Modise expressed hopes for a forthcoming partnership with Embraer, which would include the manufacture and repair of aircraft in South Africa. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to bolster the SAAF’s capabilities.
The SAAF is actively seeking new transport aircraft to replace or augment its ageing C-130BZ Hercules fleet, which has faced significant maintenance and availability challenges. The SAAF currently spends millions of rands chartering aircraft to support operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, where it is involved in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism missions. The C-130BZs are also used for domestic and regional humanitarian missions, delivering relief supplies, medical equipment, and personnel to areas affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and emergencies.
Embraer asserts that the C-390 is well-suited to meet these diverse challenges, offering high flexibility, reliability, and efficiency. The aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo, including vehicles, helicopters, pallets, and containers, and can operate from short and unpaved runways. Additionally, the C-390 can refuel other aircraft in flight, extending its range and endurance. Equipped with a fly-by-wire system, a modern avionics suite, and a self-protection system, the C-390 enhances safety and survivability.
Embraer is confident in the C-390’s market potential in Africa, where many countries face similar operational requirements and constraints as South Africa. The company has received expressions of interest from several African nations and believes the C-390 offers a competitive and cost-effective solution for their military transport needs. Embraer is committed to supporting its customers with a comprehensive package of services, training, and technology transfer, creating value and benefits for the local aerospace industry and economy.
Meanwhile, Embraer has recently conducted a series of demonstrations of its KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), hoping to secure a contract for the medium tactical transport aircraft. The NAF launched a procurement programme between 2014 and 2016 to acquire 5–10 medium tactical transport aircraft and invited bids from various manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and Shaanxi.
Furthermore, Embraer is eyeing the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) as a potential customer for its C-390 military transport aircraft. This strategic move follows the recent industrial cooperation agreement signed between Egypt and Brazil, which aims to enhance bilateral ties and foster technology transfers.