Embraer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netherlands Industries for Defense & Security (NIDV) on Thursday during the 34th NIDV Exhibition for Defense and Security (NEDS 2023).
Under the agreement, the Brazilian company and the sector’s industry association in the Netherlands will join forces to explore future opportunities, including services and the development of new capabilities for existing aircraft, including the country’s companies in the C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft supply chain.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force selected the Brazilian aircraft in 2022 and intends to sign a contract to receive five jets that will replace its old C-130 Hercules.
However, despite the announcement around 18 months ago, so far the Dutch government and Embraer have not yet revealed when the agreement will be sealed.
Embraer had predicted that this would occur in 2023, but recently the company’s CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto, told Airway that he hopes to complete the process in 2024.
A-29 Super Tucano in sight?
The statement released by Embraer draws attention for including the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft as one of “the initiatives already underway” in the Netherlands.
“The signing of the MoU represents a key element in the strategic relationship developed between Embraer and the Netherlands, covering ongoing initiatives associated with the C-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano,” says the company.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force announced in December 2020 that it would replace its 13 Pilatus PC-7 trainers received from 1988 onwards.
The aircraft have undergone an upgrade program and are expected to remain in service until 2027. Although the Super Tucano is a larger and more complex turboprop than the PC-7, both it and the rival PC-21 and T-6 Texan (U.S. version of Pilatus) could be among the main candidates.
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Embraer launched the A-29N in 2023, a variant of the Super Tucano tailored for NATO countries. In May, the CEO of Embraer Defense and Security, Bosco Costa Juniou, listed the Netherlands, along with Portugal, as possible customers for the aircraft.
The chief executive intended to announce NATO’s Super Tucano launch customer later this year.
