Full Breakdown
Greece Explores Purchase of Embraer C-390 Millennium Transport Aircraft
5/9/2026, 5:35:46 AM
Potential Acquisition
On 7 May 2026 Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced that Greece is discussing the purchase of Brazilian-made Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft with Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo in Lisbon. Dendias gave no details on quantity, price or delivery schedule.
Modernisation Drive and Fleet Gaps
Athens plans to allocate roughly €28 billion (? $33 billion) to modernise its armed forces through 2036, a program launched after the 2009-2018 debt crisis. The Hellenic Air Force currently operates ageing C-130 Hercules aircraft with low availability and upgraded C-27J transports. Earlier attempts to acquire used C-130J aircraft from Italy stalled, leaving a gap that the C-390 could fill.
Negotiations and Partners
The discussion involves Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo, Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer and its Portuguese partner OGMA, which manufactures central-fuselage sections for the C-390. Both Greece and Portugal are NATO members, and the aircraft has already been adopted by several other alliance states.
Timeline of Developments
- 2009-2018: Greece’s debt crisis and fiscal recovery.
- 2019: Portugal becomes the first European NATO country to order six C-390s, securing ten additional options.
- 2023: Embraer demonstration aircraft visits Elefsina Air Base.
- 7 May 2026: Greek minister announces exploratory talks with Portugal.
- 2025 (reports): Indications that Greece may seek three C-390s, with deliveries projected toward the decade’s end.
Numbers and Procurement Landscape
Portugal’s existing order comprises six aircraft and ten transferable options. Global firm orders total about 60 C-390s, including a recent United Arab Emirates agreement for up to 20 units. Other NATO adopters include Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Strategic Significance
Acquiring the C-390 would expand Greece’s strategic air-lift capacity, reduce reliance on ageing U.S.-origin transports, and deepen industrial cooperation with Portugal’s OGMA. The move aligns with a broader NATO trend toward diversified, European-based procurement.
Official Statements
Dendias said the two ministers discussed a range of issues, including the possible acquisition of the C-390, and noted that Portugal’s participation underscores its role as a production partner and early adopter within NATO.
Dissent and Uncertainties
Sources differ on the prospective quantity: one report suggests an initial three-aircraft purchase, while another provides no specific number. Delivery timelines are vague, with some statements pointing to “end-of-decade” arrivals and others noting that no formal procurement process has begun. Pricing details remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had the opportunity to discuss many issues ... one of them was the possibility of purchasing the C-390 plane,” — Nikos Dendias, Greek Defence Minister
- “the possibility of purchasing the C-390,” — Nikos Dendias, Greek Defence Minister
Next Steps
Greek officials have not yet launched a formal procurement process, and any future request would follow the early-stage talks. Portugal could make its existing purchase options available to Greece.
