Greece and Portugal sign deal for Embraer KC-390 military transport aircraft

On Monday, November 2, 2026, Greece and Portugal signed a major intergovernmental agreement in Athens for the procurement of Brazilian-made Embraer KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The deal, involving Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and his Portuguese counterpart Nuno Melo, covers the acquisition of three aircraft, with an option to purchase three additional units. The project is valued at approximately 550 to 600 million euros and aims to modernize the Hellenic Air Force as part of a broader 28 billion euro modernization plan spanning until 2036.

This acquisition marks two significant milestones for the Greek military: the introduction of jet-powered transport aircraft and the acquisition of an aerial refueling capability for the first time. The KC-390 fleet will initially be capable of refueling Rafale and Mirage fighter jets, with the capability expected to extend to the F-16 fleet approximately one year later. Parts for the KC-390 are partially produced in Portugal through the industrial partnership with OGMA, a company majority-owned by Embraer.

The Greek parliament had previously approved the deal in June. The Hellenic Air Force is scheduled to receive its first KC-390 aircraft in 2027, replacing or supplementing the aging C-130 and C-27 fleets to enhance operational readiness.