The user group for Brazil’s Embraer C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft has recently expanded, with the Kingdom of Morocco emerging as the latest customer.
Following an evaluation of a Brazilian Air Force C-390 (registered as PT-ZNG) at Rabat in March 2024, Morocco has joined the C-390 User Group. This was confirmed by the appearance of the Moroccan flag on a PowerPoint slide at a recent conference of the group, as reported by Defense Atlas, a Moroccan defence account on X. Morocco’s inclusion, alongside countries like Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, the UAE, and Chile, was unexpected. Letters of intent have reportedly been signed by Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, while other potential customers include Angola, Egypt, Greece, India, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Sweden.
Negotiations between Morocco and the Brazilian company to locally manufacture the aircraft had previously reached an advanced stage. The Kingdom of Morocco Armies X account confirmed that the “C-390 Millennium will therefore replace the oldest C-130 Hercules models in service with Moroccan Air Force logistics/tactic transport aviation.”
Currently, Morocco operates four C-27J Spartans, 16 C-130H Hercules, and six CASA CN-235s in transport roles, with one Hercules configured for SIGINT and two as tankers.
Morocco has allocated $12.88 billion to its defense industry as part of the 2024 finance law. This budget includes an increase of nearly MAD 5 billion ($484.7 million) compared to 2023.
C-390 Millennium Capabilities
The C-390 Millennium boasts a maximum payload of 26 tons and a top speed of 470 knots. Its spacious cargo hold features a rear ramp, and the aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, including the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion and SELEX Galileo’s tactical radar. The aircraft’s fly-by-wire controls and modular design allow for rapid mission reconfiguration. The cargo hold measures 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. The C-390 operates at a cruising speed of Mach 0.8, offering medium airlift transport capabilities.
Growing Interest in Africa
The C-390 has attracted interest from several African nations. South Africa is considering acquiring multi-mission transport aircraft, with the SANDF evaluating the C-390 as a potential replacement for its aging fleet. This interest grew following a successful demonstration at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition. The aircraft was also demonstrated to the Nigerian Air Force, which is hoping to secure a contract for the medium tactical transport aircraft.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer 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.
The current fleet of C-390 aircraft has logged over 14,000 flight hours, achieving a mission capability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%.