Portugal Adds Third KC-390 Airlifter to Fleet as A-29N Super Tucano Begins Flight Tests

Embraer and the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) marked two milestones today: the delivery of the third KC-390 Millennium and the launch of the A-29N Super Tucano flight test campaign.

Both aircraft participated in a joint formation flight over Portugal.

The third KC-390, delivered under a 2019 agreement between Embraer and the Portuguese government, is part of a six-aircraft order, with options for ten more available to allied NATO nations. The aircraft meets NATO standards and performs multiple missions, including transport, airdrops, medevac, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian relief, and aerial refueling. It carries up to 26 tons, flies at 470 knots, and operates from temporary or unpaved runways.

Portugal became the launch customer for the A-29N in 2024, ordering 12 aircraft. The first unit completed its initial flight today, starting a test campaign to validate NATO-specific configurations, including advanced avionics, secure communication systems, and other undisclosed capabilities.