Embraer C-390

Despite the conflict in Gaza, the Middle East’s military modernization is continuing.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

According to Aviation Week Intelligence Network analysis, the new contract for three Embraer C-390s brings the number of outstanding firm or expected orders to 35, with Portugal, Austria, Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic all expected to introduce fleets.

The future seems bright for Embraer’s C-390 assembly line surrounded by sugar cane fields in Gaviao Peixoto, Brazil.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the Embraer C-390 as the winner of the Large Transport Aircraft-II contract on Dec. 4.

The country’s Vision 2030 set challenging goals for its fledgling defense industry, but SAMI CEO Walid Abukhaled says the efforts are on track.

Embraer and Saudi Arabian Military Industries are exploring a potential final assembly line in Saudi Arabia for the C-390 airlifter.

Embraer’s CEO has an ambitious plan to nearly double sales by 2030, but the company will need to sell more E-Jets to get there.

On the heels of three competitive victories in the last 18 months, the C-390 Millennium is gearing up for a new round of major contract opportunities around the globe.

Aging fleets and regional instability are making Gulf Cooperation Council member countries prime marketing opportunities for airlifter OEMs.

The Portuguese Air Force has completed the first operational missions by a European-operated Embraer KC-390 airlifter.

The Czech Republic has joined the growing number of European nations opting to purchase Embraer’s C-390 airlifter.

Sweden is planning to accelerate the acquisition of new tactical transport aircraft to replace the country’s aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet.

Austria has become the latest European nation to adopt Embraer’s C-390, choosing the airlifter over Lockheed Martin’s C-130J.

Airbus will coordinate 33 companies including airframers, engine producers and defense electronics specialists on studies for a new European airlifter.

Airbus is to lead a consortium of 33 companies to study the potential development of a future European airlifter to operate alongside the A400M.

Aviation Week editors talk with Embraer’s CEO about the company’s evolving business and why he’s focusing on India and China.

The Netherlands has selected Airbus’ H225M Caracal transport helicopter as the future rotary-wing platform for the country’s special forces.

The Netherlands has selected Airbus’ H225M Caracal transport helicopter as the future rotary-wing mount of the country’s special forces.

The demonstration flight was intended to give Peruvian military officials a sense of the KC-390 and the capabilities of Brazil’s defense industry.

Portuguese industry will support Embraer’s efforts to develop a new NATO variant of the company’s Super Tucano light attack aircraft.

Brazil’s largest defense company studies options for partnering on next-generation fighters and developing light utility transports.

The memorandum of understanding marks the first time the industrial partners have agreed to collaborate on the C-390 and fighter technologies beyond the Gripen.

The Brazilian Industrial Development and Coordination agency awarded Embraer the FOC certificate.

Portugal is to acquire close air support aircraft as part of an uptick in the country’s defense spending.