![RS179755_PMCS2620-FCAS-JPN-5A[1x1]](https://breakingdefense.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/RS179755_PMCS2620-FCAS-JPN-5A1x1-e1734095138256-225x150.png)
The Embraer-made C-390 Millennium, in Brazilian Air Force livery, seen at the 2023 Paris Air Show. This was actually one of two C-390s on display, with one from the Portuguese air force located nearby. (Aaron Mehta/Breaking Defense)
WASHINGTON — Austria has selected Embraer’s C-390 Millennium to recapitalize its aging fleet of C-130 Hercules tactical airlifters, according to an Embraer press release.
Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner said today the country plans to buy four of the aircraft and is weighing a joint order with the Netherlands, Reuters reported. According to Reuters, Tanner told reporters during a press conference that an order for the new jets should be on contract in the first half of 2024.
Vienna’s choices were down to two, with officials alternatively considering whether to refresh the country’s three legacy C-130K airlifters with a newer model known as the C-130J. The C-130 is built by Lockheed Martin.
According to the Embraer release, Austria will become the fifth operator of the Millennium alongside Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands and Portugal. A team up between Embraer and Saab is also pushing the C-390 for Sweden.
Separately, in the US, Embraer has teamed with L3Harris to offer the Millennium to the Air Force for the service’s NGAS program.
Speaking to Breaking Defense during June’s Paris Air Show, Embraer’s defense CEO Bosco da Costa Junior expressed confidence that the C-390 would find ways to win in Europe.
“We are seeing a very good momentum for this airplane here in Europe. We do believe this airplane could add value and bring additional capabilities to the air forces, especially from a lifecycle costs and operational rates, like availability and dispatch ability,” he said. “I do believe that’s the reason the airplane is calling the attention here in Europe, but not only in Europe, we have very serious conversations in Asia, Middle East, in South America as well.”
The Embraer executive identified Poland as a “potential” future customer, though not one they are actively pursuing, and expressed confidence the Czech Republic would also decide to procure the C-390 in the future.
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