Embraer has announced that it has made significant progress in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) competition for a new tactical transport aircraft.
The multi-role C-390 Millennium aircraft was present at the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) event, held at the Waterkloof Air Base, between September 18 and 22.
This year’s AAD had few significant aircraft on display, with the C-390 and the Chinese military cargo plane Xian Y-20 being the main highlights.
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Without the presence of its rival Super Hercules, Embraer took advantage of the Millennium’s second visit to the country to present the aircraft to the President of South Africa, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga.
The tactical transport aircraft has also been evaluated by the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).
“Embraer recognizes the professionalism and dedication of the SANDF during the ongoing selection process to renew its fleet of legacy transport aircraft as the C-390 is a strategically important aircraft that offers outstanding versatility, range, and speed. We are confident that it is well suited to meet the needs of the South African National Defense Force as well as other government authorities”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
“South African National Defense Force has had the opportunity to evaluate the C-390 Millennium and we appreciate the wide range of capabilities and technology that we’ve experienced. SANDF has shown interest in the C-390 Millennium, as it advances in the necessary steps for the selection of the much needed strategic lift capability for the SANDF.” said the South African National Defense Force.
C-130B turboprops in poor condition
The South African Air Force has a fleet of C-130B Hercules turboprops in poor condition. The country even launched a competition to refurbish them but changed its mind some time later.
The C-390 is capable of transporting up to 26 tons of cargo at speeds far above its rival and performing a wide range of missions.
Since 2019, the C-390 Millennium has been performing tactical transport of troops, cargo, vehicles and equipment, medical evacuation, disaster management, humanitarian aid, rapid crisis response, search and rescue, aerial refueling and firefighting.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected so far by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea and the Czech Republic.
