C-390 Millennium Cargo Aircraft Joins Greece’s Defense Program
**The C-390 Millennium cargo aircraft has officially been integrated into Greece’s Long-Term Defense Procurement Program, marking a pivotal development for the Hellenic Air Force.** According to a report by OnAlert dated April 22, 2025, the aircraft, designed by Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, is positioned to replace the aging fleet of U.S.-manufactured C-130 Hercules cargo planes currently in service.
As part of this procurement plan, the Hellenic Air Force intends to acquire at least three C-390s initially, with options for further acquisitions in future phases. This strategic move is framed within a 12-year defense planning strategy aimed at modernizing Greece’s military capabilities.
While the C-390s are being prepared for integration, Greece’s operational capacity will continue to rely on a small number of existing C-130 and C-27J Spartan aircraft. To support this interim solution, modernization efforts for the C-27J fleet are expected, alongside a new five-year Follow-On Support (FOS) contract planned for 2026.
However, the Hellenic Air Force faces challenges, particularly with the C-130 fleet’s operational readiness, which has been reported to be below expectations. An Army Recognition report indicates that, as of early 2025, only four C-130s remain active, with a fifth expected to return in the near future.
In light of these issues, Greece previously sought retired C-130s from the United States, although these were rejected due to prohibitive refurbishment costs. Consequently, the Hellenic Air Force has submitted a new request for operational surplus aircraft, with some expected to become available in 2025.
In a related development, a collaborative effort between Portugal and Brazil is ongoing, focused on the joint development of the C-390, potentially enhancing future capabilities and operational integration in Greece’s defense strategy.
