FAP’s KC-390 and A-29N perform historic formation flight
Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) celebrated two major milestones on July 17 involving the KC-390 Millennium and A-29N Super Tucano programs: the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the FAP and the launch of the A-29N flight test campaign, which included a historic joint flight of both aircraft.
The third KC-390 is part of an agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government that will ultimately result in six aircraft in operation, with an additional ten purchase options available for allied and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) nations. The first A-29N is part of a 2024 order for 12 aircraft, making Portugal the launch customer for the Super Tucano variant designed to meet NATO requirements.
“Seeing both programs progressing steadily and fast gives us a sense of achievement and great satisfaction that enables us to proceed with the vision of having a more modern, capable and interoperable Air Force. The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach Full Operational Capability and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform. The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign shows that we are in a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealized by Portuguese Air Force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,” said Portuguese Air Force’s Major-General João Nogueira, KC-390 Program Director.
“We are extremely proud to contribute meaningfully to enhancing the FAP’s operational capabilities with both the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defense with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The KC-390 Millennium offers superior payload capacity (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and it flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport and airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver.
This game-changing aircraft fully meets NATO standards and requirements. In addition to Portugal, several European and NATO allies – including Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania – have selected the KC-390 to modernize their air forces. In total, 11 countries have chosen this state-of-the-art aircraft, including Brazil and South Korea.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile and proven aircraft offering exceptional operational flexibility. It can perform a wide array of missions, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, interdiction, JTAC, forward air control (FAC), tactical coordination (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, escort, and training at all levels – from basic to advanced, including transition to air superiority fighters and JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.
The A-29N Super Tucano variant will feature advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems, and other undisclosed capabilities tailored to meet NATO’s operational needs.
Recently, the global A-29 fleet surpassed 600,000 flight hours. With over 290 units ordered, the A-29 has already been selected by 22 air forces worldwide.
