Designed to be a multi-mission freighter, offering advanced capabilities in cargo and personnel transportation, in-flight refueling and special operations support
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Wanessa Liz
Officially received at Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) on September 4, 2019, the KC-390 Millennium aircraft marked a new chapter for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Developed by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, the multi-mission tactical transport aircraft has been key to FAB operations, standing out for its versatility, technology and contribution to missions of great national and international importance.
Operated by the First Squadron of the First Transport Group (1st/1st GT) – Gordo Squadron – and the First Squadron of the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron – the KC-390 was designed to be a multi-mission freighter, offering advanced capabilities in cargo and personnel transportation, in-flight refueling and special operations support. Since its arrival, the KC-390 has accumulated more than 15,000 flight hours, reflecting its exceptional reliability and performance. The FAB currently has a total of 6 units of the aircraft.
The Commander of Preparedness (COMPREP), Air Lieutenant Brigadier Pedro Luís Farcic, spoke about the importance, operability and cited some actions carried out by the KC-390 Millennium. “The aircraft is crucial for the Brazilian Air Force, being the first in the world to use it operationally. It is multi-mission, capable of performing various tasks such as air transport, cargo launch, refueling and firefighting, demonstrating its flexibility and rapid response. The aircraft’s success has already been recognized internationally, with the Portuguese Air Force already operating it and more global sales expected. Developed by Embraer, the KC-390 is an example of the success of a Brazilian product,” he concluded.
Operational Capabilities
The KC-390 Millennium is a strategic freighter with the capacity to carry up to 26 tons of cargo, including heavy vehicles, equipment and even humanitarian cargo, and is capable of carrying out various missions, such as logistical air transport, in-flight refueling, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, among others. The aircraft is recognized for its high load capacity, speed and range, characteristics that position it as one of the most advanced in its category.
Achievements and Recognition
The aircraft has not only established itself as a key part of FAB operations, but has also gained international recognition. In 2021, the KC-390 Millennium was awarded the Laureate Awards in the “Best New Product” category by the Aviation Week Network, standing out as the best new product in aviation. In addition, the aircraft received Aviation Week’s Defense Grand Laureate in 2022, an award that celebrates the best achievements in the Defense, Commercial Aviation, Space and Business Aviation sectors.
Operations
The aircraft is used in various military logistics operations, playing an important role in the transportation of equipment and supplies essential to the Joint Operations of the Armed Forces. One example was the transport of 76.5 tons of heavy vehicles to Estirão do Equador, in Amazonas, demonstrating the KC-390’s ability to support large-scale operations in difficult-to-access locations.
In combat operations, the KC-390 Millennium has demonstrated its effectiveness in various missions. The aircraft has been equipped with advanced technology for launching heavy loads and paratroopers, enabling it to carry out infiltration and extraction operations for troops and equipment in complex operational environments. The paratrooper launch training carried out with the KC-390 is an example of how the aircraft contributes to the FAB’s operational capacity in tactical scenarios.
During Operation COVID-19, the KC-390 Millennium played an essential role in logistical air transportation, moving hospital supplies, PPE, health professionals and oxygen tanks to remote regions in northern Brazil. The aircraft stood out for its speed and efficiency, delivering more than 180 tons of supplies, including oxygen to Manaus (AM) and food and hygiene materials to Boa Vista (RR).
The aircraft was present on other important missions. It transported 14 tons of equipment, including batteries and generators, to Amapá (AP), which was left without electricity due to a fire. It was also essential in Operation Drought 2023, transporting 710 food baskets to Tabatinga, in Amazonas, as part of humanitarian aid for areas affected by the drought.
In January 2023, the FAB began air resupply in Surucucu, Roraima, to help Yanomami communities affected by a health crisis. Using the KC-390 Millennium, the FAB transported tons of supplies, including the structure of the Field Hospital, and carried out daily launches of food baskets and medicines from a height of around 200 meters, optimizing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
In response to the emergency situation in Rio Grande do Sul, the aircraft played a crucial role in support missions for flood victims. It was responsible for transporting tons of donations, including food, medicines and equipment, as well as modules for field hospitals. The KC-390 has also airdropped essential cargo to isolated areas. Among its outstanding missions, the aircraft transported water purifiers, drones for monitoring, and more tons of support materials. In addition, the KC-390 was instrumental in transporting medicines, hospital supplies and even human milk for premature infants.
International humanitarian aid
In addition to its military functions, the KC-390 has excelled in international humanitarian missions. In response to the attack in Beirut in August 2020, the KC-390 transported medicines, food and health equipment, demonstrating its load capacity and autonomy. In Haiti in 2021, it transported 7 tons of emergency equipment and 3.5 tons of medicines after an earthquake and tropical cyclone. In 2022, transporting 11.6 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including food, water purifiers and medicines, to support Brazilians and the local population.
Firefighting and MAFFS 2 System
The KC-390 Millennium has also been an effective tool in fighting forest fires, such as in the Pantanal and in the interior of the state of São Paulo (SP). Equipped with the MAFFS 2 system (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System), the aircraft can drop water on areas affected by fires, assisting in the fight against large-scale forest fires. This system significantly increases the FAB’s response capacity in environmental emergency situations, highlighting the aircraft’s versatility in various operations.
Participation in exercises and training
The KC-390 Millennium played a leading role in three important international exercises. The first was “Culminating”, in 2021, in Louisiana, USA. This was the KC-390’s first international exercise, conducted by the Zeus Squadron (1st GTT), and included joint missions with the American Forces, such as parachute jumps and coordinated flights with C-17s and C-130Js. The KC-390’s participation highlighted its capabilities in Ground Assault and strengthened interoperability between the forces, being essential for the doctrinal and operational development of the aircraft in the FAB.
In 2022, it took part in International Exercise Cooperación VII, in Rio Negro, Colombia. This exercise focused on humanitarian and emergency operations, simulating earthquake and tsunami scenarios. The KC-390, operated by the First Squadron of Air Transportation (1º GTT) – Zeus Squadron, carried out logistical air transportation and paratrooper launches, accumulating more than 25 flight hours with 100% availability, proving its versatility and importance in international and humanitarian missions.
At the Salitre IV Multinational Exercise in October 2022 in Chile, the KC-390 stood out in combined air operations and in a static exhibition, attracting around 1,500 visitors. The exercise involved the Air Forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and a cell from the US Space Force, with missions in a simulated combat scenario. The KC-390, with six F-5M fighters, demonstrated its relevance both in combined operations and in integration with other air resources, reinforcing cooperation and interoperability between the participating forces.
The Commander of the Zeus Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel Bruno Américo Pereira, spoke about the aircraft’s performance and the importance of the Squadron over the last five years, highlighting its representativeness and performance in extremely important missions, both domestically and internationally. “After five years of operation, the KC-390 Millenium has proved to be essential for the Brazilian Air Force and the Zeus Squadron. It has taken part in significant missions such as Operation Covid and Operation Pantanal, standing out for its excellence and versatility. The KC-390 not only represents a technological advance, but also the ability to respond efficiently in crises, raising Brazil’s prestige globally. The aircraft symbolizes overcoming challenges and commitment to the nation. To celebrate these 5 years is to recognize its transformative impact and the promise of future achievements,” he concluded.
“The aircraft has proven its worth in various missions and extreme conditions, from fighting Covid-19 to supporting natural disasters and international operations. The KC-390 has shown versatility and high availability, operating in extreme climates and carrying out complex tasks such as food transportation and logistical support in remote regions. We can say with certainty that, for us at the Gordo Squadron and in transport aviation, it is a source of great pride to deploy this aircraft. Without compromising the capabilities already acquired and with all the technology on board, we are fully convinced that new doctrines and capabilities can be developed using this platform,” added the Gordo Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Umile Coelho Rende.
