Portugal joins Brazil and Embraer to explore KC-390 ISR capability

A modular roll-on/roll-off ISR mission system was shown at LAAD as the three parties deepened their development collaboration.

The Portuguese Air Force has joined Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force to study possible adaptations to the KC-390 Millennium for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles. A concept for a modular roll-on/roll-off ISR system was presented during a ceremony at the LAAD Defence & Security exhibition in Brazil.

The study aims to evaluate how new sensors, weapons, workstations and communication systems could be integrated into the aircraft, without compromising its existing multi-mission capabilities.

Brazilian Air Force Commander Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno says: “The collaborative work with Embraer is evolving efficiently and in a structured manner, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the KC-390 Millennium for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force. We see a great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. The Brazilian Air Force welcomes the Portuguese Air Force in joining this study, bringing their knowledge and experience to enhance the potential solution.”

Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, adds: “We are delighted with the Portuguese Air Force decision to join the studies for this new application for the KC-390 Millennium. Since the beginning of the program, our Brazilian and Portuguese partners have been crucial in making the KC-390 program an undeniable operational and technical success.”

The aircraft’s flexibility and built-in self-protection, along with robust systems and NATO interoperability, are already seen as strong advantages for ISR conversion.

Since entering service in 2019, the KC-390 has achieved a mission completion rate of over 99%. It is currently operated by Brazil, Portugal and Hungary, with Sweden and Slovakia recently selecting it. Other customers include South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and one undisclosed nation.