Hungary Welcomes First Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft, Enhancing Air-to-Air Refueling Capabilities for Gripen Fighter Jets

On September 5, 2024, the Hungarian Air Force took delivery of its first Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft. The aircraft meets NATO standards and is tailored to support a broad range of operations, mainly air-to-air refueling but also medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and the transport of cargo and troops.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Hungary’s Minister of Defense, highlighted the strategic significance of the new aircraft, noting its enhancement of Hungary’s military airlift capabilities. Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, also emphasized the aircraft’s ability to significantly boost Hungary’s operational effectiveness.

As a reminder, on November 17, 2020, the Hungarian Government formalized its commitment to modernizing its air force capabilities by signing a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of two new-generation multi-mission transport aircraft, the Embraer C-390 Millennium, in its air-to-air refueling (AAR) configuration, designated as KC-390

The C-390 Millennium can carry a payload of 26 tons and reach speeds up to 470 knots. It is capable of operating from unprepared runways. The KC-390 variant is equipped with air-to-air refueling capabilities, allowing it to refuel other aircraft mid-flight, including Hungary’s fleet of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets. This capability is pivotal for extending the operational range and endurance of the fighter fleet during critical missions.

Since its introduction by the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the C-390 has logged over 14,000 flight hours, demonstrating high mission availability and successful completion rates.

The aircraft’s delivery followed a journey from São Paulo to Recife, across the Atlantic to the Canary Islands, and through Europe to Kecskemét, covering over 8,500 kilometers. This showcases the aircraft’s long-range capabilities, essential for its role in strategic military and humanitarian missions.

The procurement of the KC-390 was finalized following extensive negotiations that concluded in 2020, marking a significant expansion of Hungary’s military capabilities in alignment with its NATO commitments. The decision to acquire the KC-390 was driven by the need for a versatile and technologically advanced aircraft to replace older models and to complement the operational capabilities of Hungary’s existing Gripen fleet.

This acquisition positions Hungary among the initial European operators of the KC-390, joining other nations such as Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. The integration of the KC-390 into Hungary’s defense forces is part of a broader initiative to modernize and enhance the national military infrastructure, which also includes the recent integration of advanced Leopard 2A7HU tanks.

The acquisition of the KC-390 Millennium represents a critical component of Hungary’s comprehensive strategy to modernize its air force. This strategy has been unfolding over recent years, beginning with the procurement of Airbus H225M helicopters and the integration of the JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets, enhancing both the versatility and the capability of the Hungarian Air Force. The addition of the KC-390 continues this trend, providing a modern, efficient aircraft that supports a wide range of military and humanitarian missions. This modernization effort underscores Hungary’s commitment to bolstering its national defense and aligning its air force capabilities with contemporary NATO standards. The KC-390, with its advanced technology and multi-role functionality, complements the existing fleet and represents a forward-looking approach to ensuring Hungary’s air force is well-equipped to meet future challenges.