Embraer, a global leader in aerospace, highlighted its C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft during the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held from September 18-22 at Waterkloof Air Force Base. As one of the premier defence and aviation showcases, AAD served as a strategic platform for Embraer to demonstrate the aircraft’s exceptional capabilities to a global audience of defence experts, aviation professionals, and political leaders.
Among the notable attendees, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga were given a firsthand look at the C-390 Millennium, which garnered significant interest from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as they evaluate options for modernizing their transport fleet.
“Embraer recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft as the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the South African National Defence Force as well as other government authorities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defence & Security.
“South African National Defence Force has had the opportunity to evaluate the C-390 Millennium, and we appreciate the wide range of capabilities and technology that we’ve experienced. SANDF has shown interest in the C-390 Millennium, as it advances in the necessary steps for the selection of the much-needed strategic lift capability for the SANDF,” said the South African National Defence Force.
The C-390 Millennium is particularly appreciated for its capability to carry up to 26 tons of cargo at high speed and perform a wide spectrum of missions under demanding operational conditions. Since 2019, the aircraft has demonstrated its operational efficiency across various roles, including tactical troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, quick crisis response, search and rescue, aerial refuelling, and firefighting.
As the most advanced aircraft in its category, the C-390 is equipped with a modern avionics suite and state-of-the-art mission software, ensuring unrivalled mission success. The C-390 Millennium has already been selected by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.
