Embraer Expands C-390 Military Aircraft Sales in Latin America and Beyond

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Gabriel Araujo. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is actively negotiating with the governments of Colombia and Chile to secure new orders for its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. As the company expands its footprint in the global defense sector, it is simultaneously increasing its manufacturing capacity to fulfill a growing backlog of international orders.

Embraer is stepping up output to “meet growing international interest,” CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told Reuters.

The potential deals in South America represent a critical regional expansion for Embraer. Currently, Brazil remains the sole Latin American operator of the C-390. Securing contracts with neighboring nations would solidify the aircraft’s position as a formidable, modern alternative to legacy tactical transports. We are tracking these developments closely, as the outcomes of these sales campaigns could reshape the aerospace defense market in Latin America and bolster Embraer’s growing global market share.

The Push into Colombia and Chile

Colombia’s Urgent Modernization Needs

According to comprehensive industry research data, Colombia’s requirement for new military transport aircraft has shifted from a long-term procurement goal to an immediate necessity. This urgency follows a tragic Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules crash in March 2026 that resulted in 70 fatalities. Following the incident, Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly criticized the bureaucratic hurdles that had previously delayed the modernization of the country’s military fleet.

Embraer has capitalized on this momentum through strategic economic diplomacy. During the FIDAE air show in Santiago, Chile, in April 2026, Embraer and the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Research reports indicate this agreement paves the way for technology transfers, potentially allowing Colombia to manufacture auxiliary systems or minor parts for the C-390 domestically. Current discussions between Embraer and Colombia reportedly focus on an initial acquisition of two to three aircraft to begin replacing the aging C-130 fleet.

Chile as a Medium-Term Prospect

While the Colombian campaign is moving rapidly due to immediate operational gaps, Embraer views Chile as a medium-term prospect. During the same April 2026 FIDAE air show, Embraer showcased the C-390 Millennium directly to Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast.

Defense procurement in Latin America traditionally involves lengthy budget approvals and complex political negotiations. However, according to public remarks summarized in recent research data, Gomes Neto emphasized that both Chile and Colombia share a distinct operational need, favor the C-390’s capabilities, and maintain close, collaborative ties with the Brazilian Air Force.

Global Momentum and Production Ramp-Up

Expanding Beyond Latin America

The C-390 Millennium is rapidly gaining traction outside of South America. In early May 2026, Embraer secured a landmark order from the United Arab Emirates for up to 20 aircraft, marking the C-390’s first entry into the Middle Eastern market. Industry data suggests this deal materialized faster than anticipated, driven in part by regional security concerns amid broader geopolitical tensions.

To date, the aircraft has been selected by a dozen countries globally. Beyond Brazil and the UAE, the growing list of international operators and buyers includes Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Sweden.

Financial Growth and Manufacturing Goals

To keep pace with this commercial success, Embraer is actively restructuring its manufacturing capabilities. According to verified financial reports from May 2026, the company aims to produce six C-390 jets this year, with a strategic target of scaling output to 10 aircraft annually by 2030.

This production increase is already reflecting in the company’s bottom line. Embraer reported record first-quarter revenues of $1.4 billion in 2026, representing a 31% year-over-year increase. The Defense & Security division was a primary driver of this financial success, with revenue surging 63% to $227 million, supported directly by increased production and deliveries of the C-390 and the A-29 Super Tucano.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Embraer is successfully executing a “David versus Goliath” strategy in the tactical transport market. By challenging the decades-long global dominance of Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Hercules, Embraer is positioning the C-390 as the premier modern alternative for air forces worldwide. Furthermore, Brazil’s use of the C-390 as an instrument of regional integration, offering technology transfers to sweeten defense deals, as seen with the Colombian CIAC agreement, demonstrates a sophisticated approach to economic diplomacy that goes beyond traditional aerospace sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C-390 Millennium?

The C-390 Millennium (also known as the KC-390 in its air-to-air refueling configuration) is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft produced by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer. It is designed for troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.

Why is Colombia urgently seeking new transport aircraft?

According to industry research, a fatal C-130 crash in March 2026 that killed 70 people prompted Colombian leadership to accelerate the replacement of its aging military transport fleet, bypassing previous bureaucratic delays.

How many C-390s does Embraer plan to produce?

Embraer expects to produce six C-390 jets in 2026, with a strategic goal of reaching an output of 10 aircraft per year by 2030, according to company production targets.

Sources:

• Reuters