Embraer and Denel Sign MoU to Cooperate on the KC-390 Millennium

During the LAAD Defence and Security exhibition in Brazil, Embraer and Denel formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement was signed by Chris Boshoff, Group Executive and CEO of Aerospace of Denel, alongside Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defence & Security. The MoU establishes a framework for potential future collaboration on the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, specifically focusing on aerostructures manufacturing, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our ties with Denel, a proven aerospace leader in South Africa, as the country looks to replace its legacy military aircraft. We are looking forward to providing South Africa with the most advanced aircraft in its category while cooperating with South Africa’s defence industry,” said Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defence & Security.

Chris Boshoff, Group Executive CEO Aerospace of Denel, expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with a company renowned worldwide for its quality and craftsmanship, like Embraer. “Our longstanding relationship spans several decades, and this collaboration will further strengthen our ties. Denel is well-equipped and is a suitably qualified industrial partner to undertake the necessary tasks envisaged for the collaboration and will significantly enhance the strategic airlift support capabilities on the African continent.”

The KC-390 Millennium is an advanced military transport aircraft, exceptionally well-suited for operations in South Africa. Its versatility, seamless reconfiguration between missions, and capability to operate from unprepared airstrips make it an ideal and cost-effective choice for the modern armed forces across the African continent.

The KC-390 Millennium is capable of carrying a greater payload of 26 tons compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft. It also boasts a higher speed of 470 knots and an extended range. This aircraft is versatile, able to perform a wide array of missions, including humanitarian aid, cargo and troop transport and airdrop, air-to-air refueling as both a tanker and receiver, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and special operations. Additionally, it can operate from temporary or unpaved runways, such as those made of packed earth, soil, and gravel.

The aircraft has been procured by eight nations: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed client. Additionally, it has been officially chosen by Sweden and Slovakia to upgrade their air forces.

Since its induction into the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and most recently the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military aircraft has consistently demonstrated its capability, reliability, and performance. The global fleet of KC-390 Millennium aircraft currently achieves mission completion rates exceeding 99%, highlighting its exceptional productivity within its segment.

Embraer, a global aerospace corporation based in Brazil, operates across Commercial and Executive Aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation sectors. The company is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of aircraft and systems, and offers comprehensive after-sales Services and Support to its customers. Since its establishment in 1969, Embraer has delivered over 9,000 aircraft. On average, an Embraer-manufactured aircraft takes off approximately every 10 seconds globally, carrying more than 150 million passengers annually.

Denel, a South African State-Owned Company (SOC), offers advanced defence, security, aerospace, and related technology solutions, serving as a strategic partner to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The state-owned but commercially driven company also provides products and solutions to selected clients in global markets. The group’s capabilities include defence, aerospace, security and advanced manufacturing. Denel’s defence capabilities date back to more than 70 years, when its first manufacturing plants were established.

Denel offers an extensive array of advanced services and solutions that augment the value of its products. These solutions are tailored to address specific user requirements and deliver comprehensive lifecycle support. Denel's products and capabilities encompass combat turrets, artillery and vehicle systems, missiles, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft (MRO), avionics upgrades, air defense system testing, and complex system integration.