The Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF’s) first Embraer C-390 Millennium has completed its maiden flight, marking a key milestone in the programme’s entry into service with its first Asian operator. Conducted at Gavião Peixoto in São Paulo, Brazil, the initial flight forms part of a broader evaluation campaign. According to manufacturer Embraer, the aircraft has undergone baseline flight assessments and will now transition into further testing and systems integration tailored to ROKAF requirements. South Korea selected the C-390 under its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) requirement, representing Embraer’s first Millennium sale in Asia. The type has now been ordered by 11 countries, including multiple NATO members, reflecting growing international uptake of the platform in both tactical and strategic airlift roles.
The C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized, twin-engined jet-powered transport aircraft and the largest aircraft developed by Embraer to date. The programme originated in the mid-2000s, initially conceived as a jet-powered alternative in the same class as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with support from the Brazilian government and air force. Designed as a 21st-century airlifter, the C-390 offers a maximum payload of 26 tonnes, a cruise speed of approximately Mach 0.8 (around 470 kt), and extended range compared with legacy platforms in its category. The aircraft is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance. It is also designed to operate from semi-prepared and unpaved runways.
When fitted with air-to-air refuelling equipment, the aircraft is designated KC-390 and can function as both a tanker and receiver. The platform is interoperable with NATO standards and is suited for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts. The aircraft features a modular design enabling rapid reconfiguration between mission sets. Its avionics suite includes head-up displays and a modern flight deck based on the Pro Line Fusion system from Collins Aerospace, supporting reduced crew workload. Additional systems include navigation and mission avionics supplied in part by Thales Group, and a self-protection suite incorporating directional infrared countermeasures from Elbit Systems. Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engine engines mounted on a high wing, the aircraft is equipped with fly-by-wire flight controls, active sidesticks, and an autothrottle system. Its landing gear, fitted with low-pressure tyres, enables operations from austere airstrips.
The cargo hold measures 18.5 m in length and can accommodate a range of payloads, including armoured vehicles such as the M113 armored personnel carrier, rotary-wing aircraft like the Sikorsky H-60, or up to 80 troops. Aerial delivery systems and onboard support features, including environmental controls and reduced noise and vibration, are integrated to support both cargo and personnel transport missions. Already selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia and Lithuania, the C-390 Millennium offers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility and performance to serve tactical and strategic needs of air forces worldwide. With deliveries already under way to multiple operators across Europe and beyond, the ROKAF programme represents a further expansion of the C-390’s global footprint.
