Portuguese Air Force Takes Delivery of KC-390 Tanker

The shipment marks the first time the aircraft will operate outside of Brazil, according to manufacturer Embraer.

Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:33 AM ET

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The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has launched operations of its first Embraer KC-390 Millennium medium-lift military transport aircraft. [Courtesy: Embraer]

Key Takeaways:

The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has launched operations of its first Embraer KC-390 Millennium medium-lift military transport aircraft.
This marks the first time the multimission KC-390, which can transport troops and cargo, perform search-and-rescue, medical evacuations, and air-to-air refueling, has operated outside Brazil.
Portugal played a significant role in the aircraft's development, contributing to its NATO-standard equipment and technological advancements.
The FAP, which has ordered a total of five KC-390s, expects to achieve initial operational capability and receive its second aircraft in March.

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The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) has launched operations of its first Embraer KC-390 Millennium medium-lift military transport aircraft.

The KC-390 variant of the multimission tactical transport aircraft can transport troops and cargo, conduct search-and-rescue missions, and perform medical evacuations. It also offers air-to-air refueling capabilities for fighter jets as well as other KC-390s using underwing pods. The aircraft includes standard NATO equipment—the result of extensive flight tests conducted in Portugal, according to Embraer.