Brazilian MoD Jose Mucio said at the LAAD 2025 conference that discussions with other nations, including Turkiye, over KC-390 cargo planes were ongoing.
According to Reuters, Brazil’s Embraer is negotiating with Turkiye, Poland, and Finland over the KC-390 Millennium twin-jet freight plane. This might provide Turkiye with a fresh door to look for an enlargement of its aviation transport capacity.
Another important development regarding Turkiye and Brazil’s cooperation in aerospace during the LAAD 2025 exhibition is the signing of a strategic MoU between TUSAŞ and Embraer involving E-Jet E2 airliners.
KC-390: New Player in Transport Jet Class
KC-390’s development was launched in the 2000s to develop a medium-class cargo aircraft using turbofan engines.
One may argue that past encounters from the E-Jet series of airliners helped shape KC-390.
While turboprop engines power most medium-sized cargo planes for low fuel use and high takeoff performance, KC-390 distinguishes itself with a pair of IAE V2531-E5 high-bypass turbofan engines for a considerably higher cruising speed, travelling up to 870 km/h. So, by giving speedy delivery priority before fuel economy, it distinguishes itself in its class.
Weighing 87 tonnes and carrying 26 tonnes, KC-390 can transport 80 troops or one armoured combat vehicle, among other things.
KC-390 has been acquired by two export customers, Hungary and Portugal, following its introduction to service in 2019.
KC-390 has been acquired by two export customers, Hungary and Portugal, following its introduction to service in 2019. In addition to this, the jet-powered cargo aircraft was ordered by Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Slovakia, ROK, and Sweden in the 2022-2025 timeframe. A factor contributing to the rapid spread in the global market is the unique approach focusing on speed.
Turkiye’s Search and KC-390’s Eligibility
Turkiye has been scrolling through the opportunities for extra cargo aircraft to bolster the strategic air transport capabilities currently carried out by Airbus A400M Atlas and Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
C-130J Super Hercules retired from RAF service and has been among the headlines in this subject, with talks for 12 second-hand aircraft. The Turkish Air Force personnel are familiar with the C-130 interface, and the C-130J offers performance improvements compared to the previous variants.
There were claims about negotiation for six new A400M cargo aircraft from Spain in exchange for 24 Hürjet advanced trainers developed by TUSAŞ. No second mention of this negotiation has been made, and such claims have also been denied.
When it comes to KC-390, the new cargo aircraft on the market, which stands out with its high-speed cruise capability, can be advantageous for the Turkish Armed Forces when there is a need for quick transport capability.
TUSAŞ’s recent signing of an MoU with Embraer can also pave the way for joint production for KC-390. TUSAŞ involvement would not only open new business opportunities but also support KC-390s operated by the Turkish Air Force if a deal is finalised in future.
Considering the unpredictable state of the MENA region and Turkiye’s military presence for stability, rapid transport can be highly advantageous as a complement rather than a successor to the existing turboprop cargo aircraft in the inventory.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
