Embraer and Denel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore cooperation on the KC-390 Millennium aircraft. The agreement was formalised at the LAAD Defence and Security exhibition in Brazil by Denel’s group executive CEO Aerospace Chris Boshoff and Embraer Defense & Security’s vice president of contracts Fabio Caparica.

The MoU proposes future collaboration on aerostructures manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul work related to the KC-390, a military transport platform tailored to South African operational needs. The aircraft is capable of carrying 26 tonnes and operating from unprepared runways, with configuration flexibility allowing swift adaptation between missions.

Caparica says: “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.”

Boshoff adds: “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 is in service with Brazil, Portugal and Hungary and has been selected by Sweden and Slovakia. Embraer cites a mission completion rate above 99% across the current fleet.