The FAP Celebrates the Delivery of the Third KC-390 and A-29N Maiden Flight

Garth Calitz
19 hours ago
3 min read

Portuguese Air Force (FAP) marked two significant milestones this week concerning the KC-390 Millennium and A-29N Super Tucano programs. These achievements include the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium aircraft to the FAP and the initiation of the A-29N flight test campaign, highlighted by a historic joint flight of both aircraft.

The third KC-390 is part of an agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government, which will ultimately result in six operational aircraft, with an option for allied and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) countries to acquire an additional ten aircraft. The first A-29N is included in a 2024 order for 12 aircraft, establishing Portugal as the launch customer for the Super Tucano variant designed to meet NATO requirements.

Portuguese Air Force Major-General João Nogueira, KC-390 Program Director, explained, “Seeing both programs progressing steadily and fast gives us a sense of achievement and great satisfaction that enables us to proceed with the vision of having a more modern, capable and interoperable Air Force. The delivery of the third KC-390 will increase our operational capability and simultaneously consolidate experience in the aircraft, in progress to reach Full Operational Capability and establish new frontiers in the usage of this platform. The launch of the A-29N flight test campaign shows that we are on a good path to obtain a distinctive platform, with a configuration idealised by the Portuguese Air Force, that will prove its capability in advanced training and operational usage,”

“We are extremely proud to contribute meaningfully to enhancing the FAP’s operational capabilities with both the KC-390 and the A-29N. This delivery and joint flight represent major milestones that reflect our commitment to supporting Portugal’s defence with efficient and innovative solutions, always grounded in our strong, long-term partnership,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security.

The KC-390 Millennium distinguishes itself with an exceptional payload capacity of 26 tons, surpassing other medium-sized military transport aircraft. It boasts a higher speed of 470 knots and an extended range. This versatile aircraft is designed to execute a broad spectrum of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It is capable of operating from temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. Additionally, the aircraft can be configured for air-to-air refuelling, functioning both as a tanker and as a receiver.

This innovative aircraft is fully compliant with NATO standards and requirements. Beyond Portugal, numerous European and NATO allies, such as Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania, have opted for the KC-390 to modernise their air forces. In total, 11 countries, including Brazil and South Korea, have selected this state-of-the-art aircraft.

The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile and proven aircraft offering exceptional operational flexibility. It can perform a wide array of missions, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, interdiction, JTAC, forward air control (FAC), tactical coordination (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, escort, and training at all levels – from basic to advanced, including transition to air superiority fighters and JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.

The A-29N Super Tucano variant is set to include advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems, and additional undisclosed capabilities specifically designed to fulfil NATO's operational requirements.