Embraer Begins Building First C-390 Transport Aircraft for the Netherlands

Brazil’s Embraer has begun manufacturing the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Netherlands, marking a key step in a joint procurement effort with Austria and Sweden.

The three nations will jointly purchase 13 C-390s — five for the Netherlands, and four each for Austria and Sweden. As lead nation, the Netherlands manages the contract, allowing all participants to operate under the same terms.

The collaboration offers economies of scale in training, maintenance, and logistics, lowering operational costs and enabling joint operations through a shared aircraft configuration.

Construction of the airframe will take about eight months, with full production expected to take two years, including installation of flight management and self-protection systems.

The C-390s will replace the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s aging C-130 Hercules fleet. Dutch firms in Woensdrecht will complete the finishing work, with deliveries expected between late 2027 and 2029.

The contract for the Netherlands and Austria was signed on July 22, 2024, during the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Procurement and fleet introduction for all three countries are being overseen by the Netherlands’ Command for Logistics and IT (COMMIT).

The joint program also covers training, spare parts, and support equipment. The Netherlands plans to acquire a C-390 simulator to support aircrew training.