Embraer delivers second and final C-390 Millennium to the Hungarian Air Force

Embraer has reached another milestone with its C-390 Millennium programme, confirming the delivery of the second and final transport aircraft to the Hungarian Air Force. The aircraft arrived on Friday 21 November at Kecskemét Air Base, where the official handover ceremony was held.

From selection to delivery: the C-390 Millennium for Hungary

On 17 November, following the Hungarian government’s decision to proceed with the purchase of two aircraft, Hungary became the third country-after Brazil and Portugal-to choose the C-390 Millennium as its future transport aircraft for the national air force. That choice was later mirrored by additional European and NATO members, as well as operators in other regions.

Just over five years on from those decisions, Hungary and its air force now have both aircraft in service.

Operational roles and the Hungarian C-390 intensive care configuration

The two C-390s are intended to undertake missions ranging from the air transport of personnel and cargo to supporting humanitarian aid and assistance operations, as well as medical evacuation. This is particularly significant because, based on the requirements set out at the outset of the procurement process, the Hungarian C-390s are the first to be delivered with an intensive care medical configuration.

During the formal reception ceremony, Hungary’s Minister of Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, stated: “This is a truly encouraging and joyful moment, an incredibly important event in the development of the Hungarian Air Force. And I can say with certainty that the Hungarian people have become stronger and more prosperous as a result. This type of transport capability was missing from the arsenal of the Hungarian Air Force, but now it is available. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this process”.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Defense & Security, commented: “This is a significant milestone for Embraer, as we deliver the second C-390 Millennium to the Hungarian Air Force. This aircraft will further enhance Hungary’s capabilities by providing superior operational performance, greater flexibility and lower life-cycle costs”, adding: “As partners, we look forward to expanding our cooperation to support the Hungarian Air Force in all its present and future operational needs”.

Replacing the An-26 and wider C-390 Millennium adoption

In line with what was emphasised in the official remarks, it is also worth noting that the Hungarian Air Force’s introduction of the C-390 refreshes its airlift capability by completing the replacement of its ageing An-26 aircraft-a situation shared by many other European air forces.

By way of example, following Hungary’s order, other countries have placed orders or made selections in recent months and years, including the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic (which, together with Brazil, Portugal and Argentina, forms part of the original programme). More recently, South Korea and Lithuania have also selected the aircraft, reinforcing the reputation and maturity of the Brazilian-built platform as the leading solution for the next generation of tactical transport aircraft worldwide, and positioning it as a reference option for replacing legacy C-130 Hercules fleets.