Brazil's Embraer equips C-390 transport with US Barracuda cruise missiles

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer announced, at the Farnborough air show on 21 July, a protocol with U.S. defense technology firm Anduril to enable its C‑390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft to carry and release Barracuda 500M cruise missiles on pallets. The integration follows the U.S. Air Force’s Rapid Dragon concept, which adapts transport aircraft for standoff missile deployment. The agreement aims to broaden Embraer’s market presence in the United States and give the C‑390 a new long‑range strike capability.

The partnership reflects ongoing efforts by both firms to enhance the combat versatility of the C‑390 platform, adding a missile payload that can be controlled via high‑bandwidth, encrypted satellite communications.