Embraer Begins First C-390 Delivery for Dutch Air Force

Defense Feeds – Embraer begins first C-390 assembly for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, marking a key milestone in modernizing Dutch air mobility capabilities.

The Brazilian aerospace giant’s production of the C-390 Millennium also strengthens European defense cooperation and highlights international collaboration in military transport aircraft development.

Embraer Launches Production of C-390 for Netherlands

The assembly work is being conducted at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, north of São Paulo. 

A formal rollout ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by senior officials from the Dutch military and the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation. 

During the event, representatives signed a section of the aircraft fuselage, symbolizing the start of the country’s transition to a new generation of airlift capabilities.

In addition to final assembly in Brazil, Dutch aerospace companies based in Woensdrecht will perform parts of the final outfitting process. 

This industrial participation ensures technology transfer, strengthens domestic aviation expertise, and reinforces the Netherlands’ role in the broader European defense supply chain. 

Once delivered, the fleet of five C-390s will replace the aging C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which have served since the 1950s. 

Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029, with each airframe requiring roughly two years from initial assembly to full operational capability.

Trilateral Cooperation Boosts Efficiency and Cost Savings

The Netherlands’ acquisition is part of a trilateral defense cooperation effort with Austria and Sweden.

Through this initiative, all three nations are aligning procurement, maintenance, and training to maximize interoperability. 

A total of thirteen C-390 aircraft are planned so far, with five for the Netherlands and eight shared between Austria and Sweden, and there is the possibility of up to seven additional units in the future.

This coordinated model reduces overall program costs through shared training centers, common logistics hubs, and harmonized maintenance cycles. 

By acquiring the C-390 in a unified configuration, the partner countries ensure streamlined operational standards and easier personnel exchanges during joint missions. 

The trilateral agreement was formalized when the Netherlands and Austria signed at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, followed by Sweden’s entry into the partnership in October. 

Defense analysts view the arrangement as a forward-looking approach to strengthening Europe’s air mobility network while lowering long-term operational expenses.

C-390 Millennium Capabilities and Performance

The C-390 Millennium is known for its versatility, high-speed performance, and robust payload capacity. 

At 35 meters (115 feet) long, it can transport up to 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds) of cargo or accommodate 80 troops. 

Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 engines, the aircraft delivers impressive speed and endurance, capable of flying above 500 knots (926 km/h) and reaching altitudes up to 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). 

Its maximum range extends to 4,570 nautical miles (8,464 km), enabling rapid global deployments.

The aircraft can be fitted with advanced electronic warfare suites, self-protection systems, and countermeasures to operate safely in high-threat environments. 

Its rugged design supports a wide range of missions, including medical evacuation, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, and tactical resupply.

International operators have praised the C-390 for its lower operating costs compared to legacy transport aircraft and its ability to perform missions with fewer maintenance demands. 

For the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the introduction of the C-390 marks a significant leap forward in readiness and strategic mobility, ensuring reliable support for NATO operations and global humanitarian missions.

Embraer’s ongoing progress not only strengthens its reputation as a leading supplier of military transport platforms but also highlights the growing importance of multinational cooperation in modern defense programs.