The Greek government has approved the acquisition of three Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, ending months of speculation over the Hellenic Air Force’s replacement for its Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules fleet.
The decision was approved by Greece’s Council for National Security (KYSEA) on July 23. Greek media reported the acquisition is valued at about €600 million and includes training, spare parts, ground support equipment and logistics support. The proposal also allows Greece to acquire three additional aircraft in the future.
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The approval does not come as a surprise.
In February, a Greek Air Force delegation traveled to Portugal to evaluate the C-390 in service with the Portuguese Air Force. Weeks ago, the Greek government submitted a proposal to parliament requesting authorization to acquire three aircraft.
Embraer, however, has not announced Greece as a customer or commented on the reported selection.
According to Greek media, the aircraft will be acquired through an agreement with Portugal rather than a direct order from Embraer. Greece is expected to take over three production positions previously reserved by the Portuguese government, allowing the aircraft to be delivered sooner than under a new production contract.
The C-390 will replace part of Greece’s C-130 fleet, whose availability has declined after decades of operation.
Besides airlift missions, the aircraft can also perform aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and aerial refueling. The Greek Air Force is expected to receive the KC-390 variant equipped with underwing hose-and-drogue pods, allowing it to refuel Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighters.
If the contract is signed, Greece will become another European operator of the C-390 alongside Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Sweden.
