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Greece has selected Embraer’s C-390 airlifter to replace its long-serving Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greek lawmakers approved funding June 11 to acquire three of the Brazilian-built airlifters that are to be ordered through an intergovernmental contract with Portugal.
Athens has set aside €600 million ($695 million) for the acquisition, including €473 million for the purchase of the aircraft and €90 million for initial support, but no contract has been signed. First delivery is envisaged for 2027.
The acquisition of the C-390s was one of eight defense projects worth a total of €1 billion that were approved by the Hellenic Parliament’s Defense Committee, local media reported. Those other deals include the purchase of Lockheed Martin Hellfire missiles through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, micro satellites with Iceye, and uncrewed aircraft systems from Shield AI and Israel Aerospace Industries.
Greece’s C-390 order will come from the 10 purchase options placed by Portugal last September after Lisbon ordered its sixth aircraft.
Selection comes just weeks after Embraer signed agreements with Greece’s Hellenic Aerospace Industry that would enable in-country support for the fleet.
The Hellenic Air Force already has a small fleet of Embraer-made aircraft. It uses the Saab Erieye radar-equipped EMB-145Hs for the airborne early warning task and EMB-135s for VIP and passenger duties. The C-390 has successfully captured several tactical transport fleet renewal campaigns in Europe including Austria, Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Sweden. The type is already in service in Portugal and Hungary.
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