[REVISION HISTORY]

Greece and Portugal Embraer aircraft procurement

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2026-11-03 13:19 UTC → 2026-11-04 04:40 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late October 2026, the Portuguese Council of Ministers approved funding to facilitate Greece’s acquisition of three Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The program, valued at approximately 590 million to 600 million euros, was designed to replace Greece’s aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet with aircraft capable of tactical transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid. By November 2026, Greece and Portugal signed a formal government-to-government agreement in Athens. The agreement, signed by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo, aims to modernize the Hellenic Air Force’s airlift and logistics capabilities to increase autonomy during NATO and EU missions. The deal includes an option to purchase three additional units, potentially bringing the total to six aircraft. The contract encompasses mission equipment, electronic warfare systems, training, and technical assistance. A significant feature of this acquisition is the provision of Greece’s first aerial refueling capability, which will initially support Rafale and Mirage fighter jets, with plans to extend the service to F-16 fleets approximately one year later. This capability is expected to shift operational focus from fuel limitations to pilot ~~endurance.~~ endurance, which is critical for operations across the Aegean Sea and its islands. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, with subsequent aircraft arriving in 2029 and 2031. The agreement also fosters defense cooperation between Athens and Lisbon, with Portugal’s Beja training center set to provide initial training for Greek crews and mechanics. Beyond the aircraft, discussions between the two nations included potential cooperation on drone-killing technologies designed to counter hybrid threats, such as the MQ-9A Reaper. Greece becomes the seventh European nation to adopt the Brazilian-built platform, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden.

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