Greece is in discussions with Portugal over a potential acquisition of Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said during a visit to Lisbon.
Speaking alongside Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo, Dendias confirmed that the two sides discussed “the possibility of purchasing the C-390,” without providing details on quantity, cost or timing.
The talks involve Portugal’s position in the program. The country ordered six aircraft and holds 10 purchase options, which can be reassigned to other NATO members. Previous reports have indicated that Greece could initially seek three aircraft, with the possibility of expanding the fleet later.
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Athens has been trying to define a replacement for part of its transport fleet for several years. The Hellenic Air Force operates C-130 Hercules aircraft with low availability, alongside smaller C-27J transports that are expected to remain in service after upgrades.
The C-390 has been evaluated more than once. In 2023, an Embraer demonstration aircraft was presented to the Greek Air Force at Elefsina Air Base. By 2025, local reports pointed to a plan to acquire three units under a long-term modernization programme, with deliveries projected toward the end of the decade.
Other options have been considered but did not advance. Greece previously explored acquiring used C-130J aircraft from Italy, without reaching an agreement.
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The aircraft has gained traction in Europe among NATO members. Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have selected the C-390 in recent years.
Embraer has expanded the programme’s backlog, including a recent agreement with the United Arab Emirates for up to 20 aircraft, while firm orders stand at around 60 units.
No formal procurement process has been announced by Greece, and discussions with Portugal remain at an early stage.
