Turkish Air Force commander Gen Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu visited Portugal’s Beja Air Base last week, where he toured the Portuguese Air Force’s KC-390 Millennium fleet, simulator and maintenance facilities during an official visit to the country.
Images released by the Portuguese Air Force showed the Turkish delegation aboard the Embraer-built transport aircraft operated by Squadron 506, the first NATO and European operator of the KC-390.
Neither Portugal nor Turkey announced any procurement discussions tied to the visit. Still, the trip drew attention because Turkey has previously held talks with Embraer regarding the KC-390 while assessing future transport aircraft requirements.
The Turkish Air Force currently operates about 18 ageing C-130B/E Hercules aircraft alongside 10 Airbus A400Ms. In 2025, Ankara also agreed to acquire 12 surplus C-130J-30 aircraft retired by the Royal Air Force as an interim solution for its tactical airlift fleet.
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Portugal has emerged as an important showcase for the KC-390 program in Europe. Lisbon originally ordered five aircraft in 2019 before expanding the deal to six KC-390s plus 10 purchase options.
Those additional options can potentially be transferred to allied NATO countries through government-to-government arrangements, creating an alternative acquisition path for future customers.
Days ago, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed that Athens is in talks with Portugal regarding a possible KC-390 acquisition. Greece is reportedly evaluating an initial batch of three aircraft with the possibility of expanding the fleet later.
Turkey could theoretically benefit from a similar arrangement should interest in the Brazilian airlifter advance beyond the current exploratory stage.
The KC-390 has steadily expanded its international customer base in recent years. Embraer now counts 60 aircraft ordered, including the recent agreement announced with the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier this month, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto said the company plans to increase KC-390 production to 10 aircraft annually by 2030 as new export campaigns progress.
