Embraer has confirmed that an aircraft acquisition from the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense includes three KC-390 Millenniums, along with an option for three more in the future.
On November 2, 2026, Embraer announced that Greece’s defense department had officially signed a contract to acquire the aircraft with the first KC-390 scheduled to arrive in 2027.
The purchase came through a government-to-government agreement between Greece and Portugal. Portugal approved the procurement on October 14, 2026.
From its own KC-390 orders Portugal held options to acquire up to 10 additional aircraft for future acquisitions by European nations or NATO members.
Greece and Portugal sign Interstate Agreement
The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, and his Portuguese counterpart, Nuno Melo, met on November 2, 2026, as part of an official visit to Greece, where they signed the Interstate Agreement for the supply of three KC-390s.
Dendias said the aircraft will allow Greece to introduce the ability to refuel fighters in the air for the first time, starting with Dassault Rafale and Mirage and around a year the F-16, according to Banking News.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft. This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
He added: “The KC-390’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.”
Greece becomes the seventh European nation to select the aircraft
The new aircraft will be deployed to enhance Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while strengthening interoperability with NATO and allied forces.
Greece becomes the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
The KC-390 Millennium has also been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, Korea, Uzbekistan, the UAE and Colombia.