Austria Selects Embraer’s C-390 Millenium As C-130 Replacement
Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner announced on Wednesday that the Austrian Air Force will be procuring Embraer’s C-390 Millennium to replace its C-130 Hercules.
Tanner described the selection of the C-390 as a major milestone for the Austrian Air Force. According to her, the Millennium was the only airlifter in the 20 ton payload class that met all Austrian requirements.
Four C-390s will be procured, with the defense ministry estimating a purchase price of between 130 and 150 million euros per aircraft. The ministry expects deliveries of the C-390s to start in 2026 or 2027 after the conclusion of negotiations, and is in talks with the Netherlands on possible joint procurement and joint training arrangements. Amsterdam has indicated its intent to procure five C-390s, but has yet to officially place an order.
In a brief statement, Embraer said it was “honored” by the selection of the C-390, stating that “Embraer is ready to support the Austrian Ministry of Defense and Air Force in order to meet the demanding requirements of their acquisition process and prepared to further strengthen the relationship with this nation.”
The C-390s will be replacing the three C-130Ks currently operated by the Austrian Air Force out of Vogler Air Base in Horsching. The three C-130s were purchased second hand from the Royal Air Force in 2002, with the Austrian defense ministry estimating their average age at 56 years. Due to increasing maintenance expenses, the ministry launched efforts to replace them in 2021.
The first C-390 was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. The multi-mission cargo aircraft can carry up to 26 tons of payload or up to 80 passengers, and can be refitted for other missions like in-flight refueling, aerial surveillance or aerial firefighting. Portugal also operates the C-390, having received its first aircraft in October 2022, while Hungary is another future European C-390 operator with two aircraft ordered.