São Paulo (Reuters) – Embraer announced Friday that it has signed an agreement to qualify Aeroplexes as authorized by the Brazilian manufacturer in Hungary, which will include KC-390 Millennium aircraft for the Hungarian Armed Forces.
The Hungarian government has signed a contract with Embraer for the purchase of two C-390 Millennium aircraft, which can be refueled during the flight. The first aircraft should be delivered in 2024.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension in Eastern Europe, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, which prompted several countries in the region to announce plans for a military buildup, fearing the conflict would spread.
Hungary is one of the 30 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance that includes France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.
“While Embraer brings its more than 50 years of experience supporting aircraft around the world, Aeroplex will apply all of our knowledge and a diverse portfolio to service the KC-390 Millennium,” Aeroplex President Demini Arpad said in a statement.
The model included in the agreement will be the first in the world to have an intensive care unit, which will allow it to be used for tasks such as medical evacuation, cargo and troop transport, precision cargo launch and paratrooper operations.
Compatible with NATO operations, the KC-390 to be supplied contains a probe refueling system that allows it to refuel the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen.
Last August, Embraer announced the opening of an office in the Hungarian capital, as part of a strategy to establish new partnerships in selected markets for long-term projects for application in civilian and military use.
(by Aluisio Alves)
