Greece selects Embraer C-390 aircraft for air transport modernisation
The Greek Ministry of National Defense signed a contract for three Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft to enhance its airlifting capabilities.
Greece has signed a contract to acquire Embraer's KC-390 Millennium aircraft to modernise its air transport fleet, according to the Times of India.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense entered into a government-to-government agreement with Portugal for three aircraft, with options for three additional units. The first aircraft is expected in 2027 to improve the Hellenic Air Force's airlift, air-to-air refuelling, and NATO interoperability.
Greece is the seventh European nation to choose the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. The C-390 can carry 26 tonnes, cruise at 470 knots, and operate from unpaved runways for missions including medical evacuation and firefighting.
The Greek order comes as the Indian defence ministry has issued a request for proposal worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore for 60 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This programme aims to replace the Soviet-era An-32 fleet, which has been in use for almost 40 years.
The IAF currently operates more than 100 An-32 aircraft, which carry approximately seven tonnes. The new procurement is also expected to assist with roles currently held by the ageing Il-76, which has a 45-tonne capacity.
The C-390 competes with the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. While the C-130J is already used by the IAF in Ladakh, the C-390 offers fly-by-wire controls and modern avionics.