Greece orders three Embraer KC-390 transport aircraft, with options for three more

Greece has ordered three KC-390 transport planes from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, with the option to acquire three more.

The deal makes Greece the eighth NATO member to choose the aircraft, according to the account of the purchase.

Portugal may buy the additional planes and transfer them to Greece under a joint arrangement; Portugal has already received four of the six KC-390s it ordered.

The first Greek aircraft is due in 2027, with the arrangement allowing it to move ahead in Embraer’s production queue.

Greece currently operates 15 US-made C-130 Hercules transport planes and 13 Italian C-27J aircraft.

The KC-390 can carry up to 26 tonnes, compared with up to 19 tonnes for the Hercules, and its KC version can refuel aircraft in flight.

The order adds to the KC-390’s growing European sales, as several other European countries have also selected the plane.

Greece’s direct purchase price was not disclosed, and the sources give no further details on the timing of later deliveries.