It is no surprise that Embraer offers the C-390 Millennium airlifter to several countries around the world, but how many are there?

The company’s CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, said in recent days that there are ‘5, 10’ countries, refusing to reveal names for reasons of confidentiality.

Despite the mystery, it is possible to glimpse even more than a dozen air forces that are in Embraer’s sights, not including the United States, which is the focus of a more ambitious and challenging plan.

See below which nations could become operators of the C-390:

South Africa

The African country has been constantly courted by Embraer, which has already taken the C-390 to exhibitions and for demonstrations to the air force. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has five C-130 Hercules in poor maintenance conditions and could be a future customer.

Angola

A Portuguese-speaking country with ties to Brazil, Angola has relied on Russian aircraft as a base for its air force, but the Brazilian government has long sought to convince its counterpart to acquire the Millennium.

Illustration of the C-390 in Saudi Arabian colors (Social media)
Illustration of the C-390 in Saudi Arabian colors (Social media)

Saudi Arabia

Embraer has already promised investments and a partnership to make Saudi Arabia a production and support center in the Middle East for its aircraft. The sale to the air force, however, is hampered by the country’s close relationship with the United States.

Chile

Although it has been a potential customer since the launch of the program, Chile gained strength as an operator of the C-390 when the country’s flag appeared at an Embraer presentation.

Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules (Aeroprints)
Colombian Air Force C-130 Hercules (Aeroprints)

Colombia

Another South American country that has long been considered as a future buyer of the military transport aircraft. Recently, the Brazilian Defense Minister stated that Colombia could acquire three C-390 Millenniums.

Egypt

Egypt is another country where Embraer is seeking to break the favoritism of Lockheed Martin, which already supplies the C-130J Super Hercules to the Air Force. As in Saudi Arabia, the promise is to invest in joint defense projects.

United Arab Emirates

Like Chile, the United Arab Emirates had its flag included among the operators of the C-390 Millennium in a meeting held by Embraer last year. An agreement, however, has not been announced to date.

The presentation that shows Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Chile as new “users” of the C-390 (Social media)
The presentation that shows Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Chile as new “users” of the C-390 (Social media)

Finland

The European country appeared in statements by the Brazilian Defense Minister in April, along with Turkey and Poland. Sweden’s choice of the C-390 and its presence in several NATO countries strengthen Embraer’s chances.

India

The MTA is Embraer’s most coveted bid, as it could result in up to 80 aircraft being ordered. But the competition is tough, as Airbus and Lockheed Martin have a foothold in India and greater bargaining power.

Indian Air Force C-390 rendering (Embraer)
Indian Air Force C-390 rendering (Embraer)

Malaysia

The Southeast Asian country has been in talks with Embraer for some time, and the C-390 was present at a recent exhibition in Malaysia, which aims to replace its aging C-130s.

Morocco

One of the most likely deals to be announced soon. Morocco has reportedly already chosen the Millennium to re-equip its air force, according to local media. Recent reports say that negotiations are in the final stages.

Mexico

Brazil wants to take advantage of the left-wing alignment of its government and Mexico to close an order for the aircraft for the air force, along the lines of the sale of 20 E2 jets to the state-owned Mexicana de Aviación.

C-390 Millennium (Embraer)
C-390 Millennium (Embraer)

Nigeria

In January last year, a KC-390 landed in Abuja, Nigeria, where it remained for three days for demonstrations to Nigerian officials, but there has been no further developments on the visit since then.

Poland

Poland is part of a major sales effort by Embraer that included the sale of E2 aircraft to the state-owned carrier LOT. However, it chose Airbus’ rival A220, but the bid to sell the C-390 remains in the plans.

Rwanda

Rwanda is perhaps the most unusual customer sought by Embraer, as it has a limited air force, consisting of two dozen Russian helicopters and a few turboprops.

Turkey

With its aerospace industry booming, Turkey recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Embraer through state-owned Turkish Aerospace. Both countries want to sell aircraft to each other, and the C-390 would complement the A400M fleet.