Embraer’s C-390 Millennium has been selected by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to fill a new military transport aircraft requirement. The selection is the first by an Asian military.
The C-390 is a medium-sized transport powered by two jets. It is capable of carrying up to 26 tons of cargo and has a range of over 3,700 miles. The aircraft is also equipped with a rear ramp for loading and unloading cargo. It competes primarily against Lockheed Martin’s C-130J family.
Embraer has not disclosed the number of C-390s South Korea agreed to acquire. The C-390 can be used for various missions, including transporting troops and cargo, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. It can also be configured for use in the aerial refueling mission.
In addition to the aircraft, Embraer will provide services and support, including training, ground support equipment, and spare parts. Embraer will also work with Korean partner companies to develop a local Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider and to source parts for the aircraft within the South Korean aerospace industry.
South Korea’s selection of the C-390 is a major win for Embraer in a market that has a very close relationship with U.S.-based aircraft manufacturers. The company has already sold the aircraft to six other countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Douglas Royce is currently co-editor of four of Forecast International's Market Intelligence Services: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, Rotorcraft Forecast, and Aviation Gas Turbine Forecast. As such, he plays a key role in many important projects that involve market sizing and forecasting for various segments of the world aerospace industry, as well as demand for related systems.
