Morocco Signs Deal for Brazilian KC-390 Military Transport Aircraft, Eyes Local Production

The fleet of the Royal Air Force will expand with the upcoming arrival of the KC-390 Millennium, the tactical transport aircraft designed by Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer. They have officially signed a contract for its acquisition. This contract follows a series of evaluations carried out in March 2024. One of these aircraft, registered PT-ZNG and belonging to the Brazilian Air Force, had been tested in Rabat.

Beyond the agreement, Morocco’s ambition is to produce the KC-390 Millennium on its territory in order to obtain a "very favorable integration rate". The kingdom has already engaged in negotiations with Embraer in this direction. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the fleet of transport and refueling aircraft of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), according to the Spanish daily La Razón.

A medium-sized transport aircraft equipped with two engines, the KC-390 Millennium offers several competitive advantages over its competitors, including the ability to serve as an air refueling tanker. This innovative aircraft is capable of transporting up to 26 tons of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles, offering Morocco a versatile solution for transport and logistics. This versatile aircraft can carry significant payloads, with a maximum capacity of 26,000 kg, as well as accommodate 80 soldiers, transport 74 stretchers and 8 medical personnel or deploy 66 paratroopers. Its maximum speed is 992 km/h. The KC-390 has an impressive range: 2,820 km with a load of 23,000 kg, 3,220 km with a load of 19,000 kg and 5,820 km with a load of 14,000 kg.

The KC-390 stands out from the C-130 Hercules in particular by its rear ramp, which facilitates the efficient loading and unloading of large volumes of cargo. The aircraft should complement and potentially replace the fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Royal Air Force. With an estimated cost of around $50 million, a little more than a third of that of its competitors, which can exceed $130 million, the KC-390 is more competitive in terms of price.

Morocco joins several other countries in signing agreements with the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, according to the Atlantic Defense and Armament Observatory.