At the Mostra BID, the National Defense and Security Fair held in Brasília, Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a strategic agreement aimed at expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The agreement focuses on developing the aircraft’s potential for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with a particular emphasis on maritime patrol operations.
“The studies to adapt the C-390 Millennium platform for ISR missions are progressing in a structured manner, analyzing its responsiveness and flexibility to meet the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force, particularly regarding Maritime Patrol,” stated Air Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.
“It is an honor to advance with the FAB in the studies to expand the operational capabilities of the C-390 Millennium. This agreement reinforces our commitment to always providing our customers with an aircraft capable of performing the most challenging missions with unparalleled efficiency,» said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. «This is another step in the strong, long-term relationship we have built with the FAB”.
Doing More with Less
The announcement of the initiation of collaborative studies to explore adaptations of the operational platforms of the Brazilian Air Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions was first made during the 23rd International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Santiago, Chile. This project aims to maximize the use of existing resources by integrating new capabilities into aircrafts like the C-390 Millennium.
In this context, the C-390 Millennium, operated by the FAB in its KC-390 version, stands out for its features that make it ideal for special mission configurations. Its long range, spacious cargo hold—enabling the integration of roll-on/roll-off mission modules—and the ability to carry external loads on wing pylons or under the forward fuselage offer clear advantages for adaptation. Many of these configurations require minimal or even no structural modifications, allowing a single aircraft to perform diverse missions with remarkable flexibility. For example, it could conduct a search-and-rescue (SAR) or ISR operation in the morning and perform an aerial refueling mission in the afternoon, maximizing operational efficiency.
What About the E-190 for Maritime Patrol?
In November 2023, Embraer announced the start of studies to develop a maritime patrol (MPA) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of its E190-E2 passenger jet. This project seeks to position itself in an attractive market niche, offering a solution with greater range and payload capacity than leading turboprop aircraft. Such a development could appeal to countries unable to access costlier alternatives like the Boeing P-8 Poseidon or Kawasaki P-1 due to political or economic constraints.
However, this proposal is mainly directed at the international market, with Embraer actively seeking partners to support the program’s development, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Asia. «We are looking for international partners to join us on this journey,» said Joao Bosco Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasizing the importance of global collaborations to realize this ambitious project.
While it is traditionally expected that the Brazilian Armed Forces support local industry as the launch customer for new products, the FAB seems to have set clear priorities. Instead of investing in an entirely new development, it has chosen to maximize the potential of its KC/C-390 Millennium fleet. This platform, essential for transport and aerial refueling missions, also demonstrates significant potential for adaptation to maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare roles, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for public finances.
