TSAMTO, April 23. According to media reports, the Greek authorities are close to making a final decision on the acquisition of BTA C-390 Millennium aircraft developed by the Brazilian company Embraer, which will replace the outdated C-130 Hercules, whose service life is about to expire.
The new aircraft should expand the Air Force's capabilities to transport troops and cargo, supply island bases, and support NATO operations.
As reported by Armyrecognition.com with a link to the Greek resource Onalert.gr, the purchase decision is expected to be made between April and May 2026. Previously, it is planned to purchase three C-390 Millennium aircraft for the Greek Air Force as part of an intergovernmental agreement with Portugal. At the second stage of the program, three more C-390s can be purchased to replace the C-130H Hercules aircraft that have been in service since 1975.
The evaluation process is currently being completed, including an analysis of the cost of acquisition, operation, combat readiness and capability to perform a wide range of tasks. At the same time, the purchase of American C-130J Super Hercules is proposed as an alternative solution.
According to media sources, preliminary approvals for the purchase of aircraft have already been received from the military and political leadership, which makes it possible to immediately proceed to the conclusion of a contract after deciding on the choice of aircraft. The phased purchase model should reduce the burden on the budget and ensure a transition period with simultaneous operation of the C-130H during the commissioning of new aircraft.
The need to purchase new equipment is due to the fact that the transport fleet of the Greek Air Force is gradually decreasing. While about 20 C-130H units were initially purchased, currently four to seven aircraft remain operational. The C-130H, which has been in service for 45-50 years, is experiencing various problems, including corrosion, structural fatigue, availability of spare parts, and increased maintenance and repair time and cost. The cost of a flight hour increases as the intensity of maintenance increases, while the reliability of tasks has decreased. At the same time, the needs of the Greek Air Force in providing air transportation are increasing. Attempts to obtain additional aircraft from among the surplus weapons of the US Armed Forces have not been made due to the fact that the cost of modernization makes such a purchase unprofitable.
The delivery time of the C-390 will depend on the stability of the project's financing and the contractor's production schedule. They have not been disclosed at the moment. Cooperation with Portugal will enable joint training of personnel, simplify maintenance procedures and reduce initial potential risks.
As CAMTO reported, Portugal is the first European buyer of the KC-390. An 827 million euro contract for the supply of five C-390 Millennium tanker transports to the Portuguese Air Force was signed with Brazilian Embraer in August 2019.
In September 2025, the Portuguese Air Force Command implemented an option to the current contract providing for the purchase of a sixth aircraft, and also included in the contract 10 more options for the supply of aircraft through Portugal to potential customers from European or NATO member countries.
Between October 2022 and January 2026, Embraer delivered the first four C-390 Millenniums to the Portuguese Air Force. Thus, Portuguese specialists have already gained experience in operating aircraft and can provide support for their adoption by the Greek Air Force.
