Brazil and Portugal sign defense partnership for KC-390 program

Embraer Defense and Security signed a partnership contract with OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal and EEA – Empresa de Engenharia Aeronáutica, today, for the KC-390 military airlifter and aerial refueling jet program. According to this agreement, Portugal, through EEA, will develop the engineering project for the KC-390's components, which will be manufactured by Embraer subsidiary OGMA.

"Portugal's participation in the KC-390 program strengthens our position in the European defense market," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President of Embraer Defense and Security.

A Declaration of Intent between the Brazilian and Portuguese Ministries of Defense, signed in September 2010, preceded this contract, which emphasizes Portugal's commitment to purchasing KC-390 airplanes.

"The agreement provides an opportunity for boosting the capabilities of the military aviation cluster, so as to generate and develop technological competencies," said Jacinto Moniz de Bettencourt, EEA President.

"This is a unique opportunity for OGMA to develop its technological and manufacturing capabilities within a high aggregate value military program," said OGMA President Almir Borges.