Embraer and Hellenic Aerospace Industry Partner on C-390 MRO in Greece

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer, supplemented by industry research reports.

Introduction to the Strategic Partnership

On May 22, 2026, Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and Greece’s state-owned Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). According to a company press release, this agreement establishes a framework to develop in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities specifically for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.

This strategic partnership arrives at a critical juncture for the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), which is actively seeking to modernize its aging tactical airlift fleet. By laying the groundwork for domestic sustainment, the agreement aims to ensure operational autonomy for Greece while injecting long-term industrial value into its domestic aerospace sector.

The MoU was signed by Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, and Alexandros Diakopoulos, Executive Chairman of Hellenic Aerospace Industry, marking a significant step in Greece’s defense procurement strategy.

Addressing Greece’s Airlift Capability Gap

The Aging Tactical Fleet

The Hellenic Air Force is currently navigating a critical airlift capability gap. Based on industry research reports, Greece’s primary tactical transport fleet relies heavily on legacy Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft that originally entered service in the 1970s. These aging airframes have suffered from structural fatigue, resulting in notably low availability rates in recent years.

While Greece also operates Leonardo C-27J Spartan transports, defense analysts note that a heavier, more capable medium transport aircraft is urgently required. The HAF needs modernized assets to effectively execute island resupply, medical evacuation, force deployment, and broader NATO support missions.

The Path to the C-390 Millennium

Embraer has been actively positioning the C-390 Millennium as the solution to Greece’s airlift challenges. The manufacturer previously showcased the aircraft to the HAF during evaluations at Elefsina Air Base in 2023. The C-390 is a medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload. It is designed for rapid reconfiguration to support multi-mission profiles, including troop transport, airdrop operations, firefighting, and aerial refueling.

Building Domestic Industrial Value

Official Perspectives on the MoU

The agreement between Embraer and HAI is designed to provide substantial domestic industrial offsets for Greece. In the official press release, leadership from both organizations emphasized the long-term benefits of the partnership.

“Signing this MoU with Embraer means more to us than a business agreement. It reflects our conviction that HAI can and should be the natural choice for world-class aerospace companies seeking a reliable partner in Europe. Developing C-390 maintenance and support capabilities in Greece does not only serve the operational needs of the Hellenic Air Force, it also builds an industrial foundation of lasting, long-term value for our country.”
, Alexandros Diakopoulos, Executive Chairman of HAI

Embraer representatives echoed this sentiment, highlighting the goal of establishing a sustainable support network within the region.

“This strategic agreement with Hellenic Aerospace Industry paves the way for future discussions on expanding in-country maintenance expertise, supporting enhanced MRO capabilities and autonomy for the Hellenic Air Force (HAF). We are committed to strengthening this partnership by sharing our services and support expertise to help develop local capabilities and establish a solid foundation for long-term, sustainable cooperation.”
, Fabio Caparica, VP of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security

Furthermore, Douglas Lobo, VP of Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales for Embraer Services & Support, noted in the release that the agreement will enable Embraer to strengthen its presence in Greece and reinforce its long-standing relationship with the nation.

European Expansion and Diplomatic Momentum

NATO Interoperability and Procurement Pathways

The C-390 Millennium is gaining significant traction across Europe, with existing orders from NATO members including Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. This growing user base ensures strong interoperability and a robust European support network.

Recent diplomatic movements suggest Greece is moving closer to a formal acquisition. Earlier in May 2026, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Lisbon, Portugal, where he publicly confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the C-390. According to defense research reports, Portugal holds 10 purchase options for the aircraft that can be reassigned to other NATO members, potentially offering Athens a streamlined procurement pathway. Greek defense media reports indicate that Athens may initially seek to acquire at least three C-390 aircraft, with room for future fleet expansion.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view this Memorandum of Understanding as a highly significant indicator of Greece’s procurement intentions. In the global defense industry, establishing a formal MRO framework with a state-owned entity like HAI is rarely executed without a high degree of confidence that an aircraft acquisition is imminent. This MoU serves as the strongest signal yet that Athens is finalizing its decision to purchase the C-390 Millennium.

Furthermore, this move perfectly aligns with Embraer’s aggressive expansion strategy within the European and NATO defense markets. By proactively partnering with local defense contractors, Embraer makes its procurement bids highly attractive to European governments that mandate domestic industrial offsets and technology transfers as a strict condition for foreign military purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the C-390 Millennium?

The C-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, jet-powered military transport aircraft manufactured by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. It features a 26-ton payload capacity and can perform various missions, including cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling.

Why is Greece partnering with Embraer for MRO?

Greece is partnering with Embraer to develop in-country Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities through the state-owned Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI). This ensures that if the Hellenic Air Force acquires the C-390, the maintenance will be handled domestically, providing operational autonomy and boosting the local aerospace economy.

Sources

• Embraer Official Press Release