This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Secures Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet

Embraer has officially signed a comprehensive service agreement with the Hungarian Air Force to provide long-term support for its fleet of C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The contract, announced by the manufacturer, is designed to ensure the operational readiness and availability of the two aircraft recently delivered to the NATO member nation.

According to the company’s announcement, the agreement encompasses a wide range of services, including logistics, maintenance, and technical support. This move marks a shift from the acquisition phase to the sustainment phase, ensuring that Hungary’s newly completed fleet remains mission-ready through Embraer’s expanding support infrastructure in Europe.

Scope of Support and European Infrastructure

The service agreement leverages Embraer’s established “European footprint” to deliver maintenance and logistical solutions. While the aircraft are based in Hungary, the support network is anchored significantly in Portugal.

Industry data indicates that OGMA, an Embraer group company located in Alverca, Portugal, serves as the primary authorized service center for the region. Additionally, the newly established “Embraer Defense Europe” office in Lisbon coordinates these regional defense initiatives, facilitating cooperation among NATO operators of the C-390 platform.

The primary objective of this contract is to maintain the high reliability rates the fleet has already demonstrated. According to Embraer, the Hungarian C-390s have achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99% since entering service, a statistic the manufacturer aims to uphold through this new support framework.

Fleet Capabilities and Configuration

Hungary holds a unique position within the C-390 user group. It is the second NATO nation, following Portugal, to operate the aircraft, and the first to receive its full order of two units. The delivery timeline proceeded as follows:

• First Aircraft: Delivered in September 2024.
• Second Aircraft: Delivered in November 2025.

First-in-Class Medical Evacuation

A key differentiator for the Hungarian fleet is its specialized configuration. These aircraft are the first in the world to be equipped with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This modular system allows the Hungarian Air Force to rapidly convert the tactical transport into a flying hospital, capable of performing complex Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and humanitarian missions.

In a statement regarding the aircraft’s versatility, Embraer noted:

“The Hungarian C-390 is the first in the world with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, allowing the aircraft to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation.”

Beyond medical missions, the aircraft retains the standard multi-mission capabilities of the C-390 Millennium, including the transport of 26 tons of cargo, air-to-air refueling (AAR), and operation from unpaved runways.

Regional Context and Market Expansion

The agreement with Hungary arrives amidst a broader adoption of the C-390 Millennium across Europe. As nations look to replace aging tactical airlift fleets, specifically the C-130 Hercules, the C-390 has secured orders or selections from several European operators.

Current and future European operators include:

• Portugal: Currently operating 5 aircraft.
• Netherlands & Austria: A joint order for 9 aircraft (5 for the Netherlands, 4 for Austria), with deliveries anticipated to begin around 2026/2027.
• Czech Republic: Ordered 2 aircraft.
• Sweden: Selected the C-390 platform in late 2024.

AirPro News Analysis

The signing of this service agreement highlights a critical maturity milestone for the C-390 program in Europe. While securing orders is the first hurdle for any defense contractor, establishing a reliable, regional logistics network is essential for long-term retention and operational success.

By anchoring support in Portugal through OGMA and the Lisbon office, Embraer is effectively creating a NATO-interoperable support hub. This strategy not only services existing clients like Hungary and Portugal but also prepares the groundwork for the incoming fleets from the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden. For Hungary, the specific focus on the ICU configuration underscores a growing trend among smaller NATO air forces to acquire dual-use assets that provide high value in both military logistics and civilian humanitarian aid.

Sources:
Embraer Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Coast Guard and background legislative data.

Coast Guard Accepts 18th Mission-Ready HC-130J for Sacramento Fleet Expansion

The United States Coast Guard is finalizing delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J Super Hercules long-range surveillance aircraft. According to an official announcement from the service, the military-aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, is being accepted at the L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems facility in Waco, Texas.

This delivery marks the culmination of a complex two-stage procurement process. While the “green” (baseline) aircraft was originally delivered by manufacturers Lockheed Martin in January 2025, it has spent the last year undergoing specialized “missionization” upgrades. These modifications transform the standard transport airframe into a sophisticated surveillance asset capable of executing the Coast Guard’s diverse maritime missions.

The acceptance of CGNR 2018 is a critical step in the service’s recapitalization efforts. This specific airframe is slated to support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, which is shifting from the smaller C-27J Spartan to the larger, more capable HC-130J platform.

The Missionization Process

The journey from a factory-fresh aircraft to a deployable Coast Guard asset involves significant technological integration. According to the Coast Guard’s acquisition directorate, the aircraft underwent approximately one year of modifications at the L3Harris facility in Waco. This process integrates the service’s proprietary systems into the commercial airframe.

Key upgrades installed during this period include the Minotaur Mission System Suite. This government-owned, open-architecture system acts as the central nervous system of the aircraft, integrating sensors, Radar-Systems, and communications equipment. It allows crew members to gather and process surveillance data in real-time, a vital capability for search and rescue (SAR) and interdiction operations.

“The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018.”

, U.S. Coast Guard Press Release

Technical Enhancements

In addition to the Minotaur suite, the missionization process equips the Super Hercules with the AN/APY-11 Multimode Radar, designed to track maritime targets even in high seas and adverse weather conditions. The aircraft also received the Block 8.1 upgrade, which includes enhanced inter-communication systems, improved approach and landing capabilities, civil GPS integration, and expanded diagnostic tools.

Strategic Deployment and Funding

The delivery of CGNR 2018 is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing fleet. The service plans to acquire a fleet of at least 22 HC-130Js to replace the aging legacy HC-130H models. The new J-models offer significant performance improvements, including a 20 percent increase in speed and a 40 percent increase in range compared to their predecessors.

This procurement is supported by substantial legislative investment. According to background research on recent appropriations, the funding for this aircraft stems from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed in July 2025. This legislative package allocated approximately $25 billion to the Coast Guard, with $1.1 billion specifically designated for the procurement of six HC-130J aircraft and associated simulators.

AirPro News Analysis

The assignment of CGNR 2018 to Air Station Sacramento represents a significant shift in West Coast maritime capability. By transitioning from the C-27J Spartan to the HC-130J, the station will gain the ability to conduct longer patrols further offshore. The HC-130J’s range of approximately 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of over 20 hours will allow for extended search and rescue operations deep into the Pacific, a capability that is increasingly vital as maritime traffic and operational demands grow. We view this as a strategic consolidation of heavy airlift and surveillance resources on the Pacific Rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the “green” delivery and the final delivery?

The “green” delivery refers to the handover of the basic airframe from the manufacturer (Lockheed Martin). The final delivery occurs after the aircraft has been outfitted with specific Coast Guard sensors and mission systems by a contractor (L3Harris).

Where will the new aircraft be based?

CGNR 2018 is scheduled to operate out of Air Station Sacramento, California.

How does the HC-130J compare to the older H-model?

The J-model features advanced engines and avionics, providing a 20% increase in speed and a 40% increase in operational range over the legacy HC-130H.

Sources: U.S. Coast Guard

This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo.

Adani Defence and Leonardo Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Indian Helicopters Ecosystem

Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo S.p.A. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. Announced on February 3, 2026, the collaboration aims to address the Indian Armed Forces’ requirement for over 1,000 rotorcraft in the coming decade while positioning India as an export hub for specific helicopter models.

According to the joint announcement, the partnership will focus on the local assembly and eventual Manufacturing of Leonardo’s AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM helicopters. The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) policies, marking a significant expansion of private sector capabilities in the country’s aerospace domain.

Scope of the Collaboration

The agreement outlines a phased approach to indigenization. Initially, the companies plan to set up a final assembly line, which will evolve into a fully integrated manufacturing facility. Beyond production, the ecosystem will include MRO services and pilot Training centers.

In the official press release, the companies stated that the facility would serve both the domestic defense and civil markets, as well as export customers. The Partnerships leverages Adani Defence’s existing industrial infrastructure and Leonardo’s global aerospace technology.

“By partnering with Leonardo, we are not just addressing the immediate needs of the Indian Armed Forces but also positioning India as a global hub for helicopter manufacturing. This collaboration is a step towards creating a sovereign manufacturing base for rotorcraft in India.”

, Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace

Targeted Platforms: AW169M and AW109 TrekkerM

The collaboration specifically targets two classes of helicopters designed to fill operational gaps in the Indian military’s fleet.

AW109 TrekkerM

The AW109 TrekkerM is a light twin-engine helicopter in the 3-tonne class. Distinguished by its skid landing gear, it is optimized for utility, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation roles. Its twin-engine configuration offers a safety advantage for over-water missions, making it a potential candidate for naval and coast guard utility requirements.

AW169M

The AW169M belongs to the intermediate light-medium category (4.5–4.8 tonne class). It is a modern twin-engine platform equipped with advanced digital avionics. The aircraft is designed for a wide range of military and public service missions, including troop transport and casualty evacuation.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to India. We are excited to bring our advanced technology and expertise to support India’s vision of becoming a self-reliant power in the defense sector.”

, Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters

AirPro News Analysis

This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica) in the Indian market. Following the lifting of a government ban in November 2021, this is the Italian aerospace giant’s first major strategic move to re-establish a manufacturing foothold in India. By partnering with Adani, a conglomerate with a rapidly expanding defense portfolio, Leonardo effectively navigates the “Make in India” regulatory landscape.

From a market perspective, the introduction of the AW109 and AW169M challenges the monopoly traditionally held by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The AW109 TrekkerM competes directly in the light utility segment, where the Russian Ka-226T deal has faced prolonged delays. Furthermore, the twin-engine safety profile of these helicopters may appeal strongly to the Indian Navy, which has a long-standing requirement for 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH).

Strategic Implications

The project aims to develop a local supply chain, moving from assembly to the manufacturing of critical components within India. According to the press release, this “phased indigenization” is critical for ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing dependency on foreign imports for maintenance and spares.

Adani Defence has previously established similar partnerships, such as its UAV manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. While the specific location for the new helicopter plant was not explicitly named in the initial release, the company’s existing aerospace park in Hyderabad remains a logical candidate for such an expansion.

Sources

Sources: Leonardo Press Release