Embraer presents first Republic of Korea Air Force’s C-390 Millennium
Singapore – February 3, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) today announced at the Singapore Airshow that the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has reached the final stage of its assembly process. The aircraft will now proceed to the production flights ahead of the integration of specific systems to meet ROKAF requirements.
The milestone represents a significant step forward following the Republic of Korea’s selection of the C-390 under the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) requirement, marking Embraer’s first Millennium customer in Asia.
“The progress of Republic of Korea’s first C-390 Millennium demonstrates both the efficiency and maturity of our production line and the strength of our partnership with DAPA, ROKAF and our Korean suppliers,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “This aircraft represents advanced multi-mission capabilities and reliability backed by engineering excellence for ROKAF. Additionally, industrial cooperation with Korea is advancing very well and strengthening our global supply chain as we scale up our C-390 production to support global customers.”
Built and designed in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment under the designation KC-390 can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver. The Millennium is fully interoperable within the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) environment and especially suitable for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations.
Already selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia and Lithuania, the C-390 Millennium offers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility and performance to serve tactical and strategic needs of air forces worldwide.
Photo courtesy Embraer
