Embraer and Denel, a leading South African aerospace and defense company, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during LAAD Defense and Security in Brazil. The agreement, signed by Chris Boshoff, CEO and Group Executive, Denel, and Fabio Caparica, Vice President, Contracts, Embraer Defense & Security, outlines the framework for a potential collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium, with a focus on aerostructures manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul activities.
“We are excited to strengthen our relationship with Denel, an aerospace leader in South Africa, as the country seeks to replace its military aircraft. Our aim is to provide South Africa with the most advanced aircraft in its class, while cooperating with the South African industry,” said Fabio Caparica, Vice President, Contracts, Embraer Defense & Security.
Chris Boshoff, CEO Aerospace at Denel, expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with a company recognized worldwide for its quality and expertise, such as Embraer. “Our long-standing relationship spans several decades, and this collaboration will further strengthen our partnership. Denel is well equipped and a recognized industrial partner to undertake the necessary tasks envisaged in this collaboration, significantly enhancing strategic airlift capabilities on the African continent.”
The KC-390 Millennium is a state-of-the-art military transport aircraft suitable for operations in South Africa. Its versatility, ease of reconfiguration and its ability to operate from unpaved airstrips make it an ideal and efficient aircraft for the armed forces of the African continent.
The KC-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and further, being able to perform a wide range of missions, including humanitarian aid, cargo and troop transport and airdrop, aerial refueling as a tanker and receiver, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and special operations, operating from temporary or unpaved runways such as dirt, soil and gravel.
The aircraft has been purchased by nine countries: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and an undisclosed customer. It has also been officially selected by Sweden and Slovakia to modernize their air forces.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently, with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet in operation has accumulated a mission completion rate of over 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in its category.
