The South African National Defense Force has evaluated Embraer’s C-390 Millennium which is advancing in the necessary steps for the SANDF’s strategic lift capability, according to Embraer.

Embraer said the aircraft is particularly appreciated for its capability to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speeds and its ability to perform a wide spectrum of missions in the most demanding operational conditions

The C-390 Millennium recently took part in the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base, in September where its capabilities were presented to the president of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Defense, Angie Motshekga. Embraer said the aircraft also attracted great interest from the SANDF), which had the opportunity to evaluate it.

“Embraer recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft as the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the South African National Defense Force as well as other government authorities”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.

 Embraer said the South African National Defense Force appreciated the C-390’s wide range of capabilities, its ability to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform a wide spectrum of missions in the most demanding operational conditions

Since 2019, the C-390 Millennium has performed tactical troop, cargo, vehicles, and equipment transport, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, quick crisis response, search and rescue, aerial refuelling and firefighting. 

Countries that operate the C-390 Millennium include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, South Korea and the Czech Republic. Brazil recently took delivery of its seventh C-390 Millennium aircraft. The milestone comes as the Brazilian Air Force celebrates five years of service for the C-390, which is used to perform a wide spectrum of military and humanitarian missions across the globe.

“Over the past five years, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated operational qualities, reliability, and versatility, performing the most demanding missions anytime, anywhere, with the Brazilian Air Force," said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.