South Africa’s interest in modernizing its military transport capabilities has led to a significant evaluation of the Embraer C-390 Millennium. This tactical transport aircraft, developed by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, has garnered attention from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the nation’s defence ministry.
The recent Africa Aerospace and Defence show at Waterkloof air base near Pretoria provided a platform for Embraer to showcase the C-390’s capabilities, sparking discussions about its potential role in South Africa’s future airlift operations.
Showcasing at Africa Aerospace and Defence Show
From 18-22 September, Embraer exhibited the C-390 Millennium at the Africa Aerospace and Defence show. This event was a pivotal moment for the Brazilian company, as it presented the aircraft’s capabilities to key South African officials, including President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga. The SANDF had the opportunity to evaluate the aircraft, which Embraer believes could meet the nation’s strategic airlift needs.
“We appreciate the wide range of capabilities and technology that we’ve experienced,” the nation’s defence ministry says. “SANDF has shown interest in the C-390 Millennium, as it advances in the necessary steps for the selection of the much-needed strategic lift capability.”
Embraer’s Confidence in the C-390
Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed confidence in the C-390’s suitability for the SANDF. He highlighted the aircraft’s versatility, range, and speed, emphasizing its potential to replace South Africa’s aging fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C-390’s ability to perform various roles, including medical evacuation, cargo and troop transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, makes it a strategically important asset.
“Embraer had the pleasure of presenting all the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium to the president of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and the minister of defence, Angie Motshekga,” the company says. “This new-generation aircraft also attracted great interest from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which had the opportunity to evaluate it,” it adds.
“Embraer recognises the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft,” says Embraer Defense & Security chief executive Bosco da Costa Junior. “The C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the SANDF as well as other government authorities,” he adds.
Likewise, in November 2023, Embraer demonstrated the C-390 Millennium to the South African Air Force (SAAF) and other government departments at Air Force Base Waterkloof. The demonstration was attended by senior Department of Defence officials, including Defence Minister Thandi Modise, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, and SAAF Chief Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo. This visit followed an April 2023 trip to Brazil by SAAF officials to discuss the aircraft’s potential.
South Africa’s Strategic Airlift Needs
The SANDF’s interest in the C-390 is driven by the need to replace or augment its aging C-130BZ Hercules fleet. These aircraft have faced maintenance and availability issues, prompting the SAAF to charter aircraft for operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. The C-130BZs are also used for domestic and regional humanitarian missions, such as delivering relief supplies and medical equipment to areas affected by natural disasters and conflicts.
Potential Partnership and Local Manufacturing
Defence Minister Modise has indicated that her department hopes to announce a partnership with Embraer, which would include the manufacture and repair of aircraft in South Africa. This partnership could enhance the country’s aerospace capabilities and provide a boost to the local economy. The SAAF’s interest in the C-390 aligns with its goal of acquiring new transport aircraft to support peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, as well as humanitarian missions.
Two decades ago, South Africa announced plans to purchase eight Airbus Defence & Space A400Ms, however, its order was cancelled in November 2009, with the government blaming the decision on “extensive cost escalation and the supplier’s failure to deliver the aircraft within the stipulated timeframes”.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium represents a promising solution for South Africa’s strategic airlift needs. Its versatility, range, and speed make it a strong candidate to replace the aging C-130BZ Hercules fleet.
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.
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.
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.