Embraer reinforces its KC-390 pitch to Poland by signing five MoUs in Warsaw

Brazil’s Embraer has reinforced its pitch to provide the KC-390 Millennium as Poland’s future multi-role transport and refuelling aircraft by signing five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Polish companies in Warsaw on 2 December 2025.

The MoUs – signed with state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and its subsidiaries WZL-1, WZL-2. WSK ‘PZL-Kalisz’ and WBCKT – establish a framework for extensive, long-term collaboration in the aerospace and defence sectors, reinforcing Embraer’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Polish industry and creating highly skilled jobs in Poland as part of the KC-390 campaign there.

In the coming weeks Embraer and PGZ will assess opportunities for industrial co-operation in the aerospace sector, including operational support, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, components manufacturing, supply chain solutions and the design, development, production, industrialisation, engineering, and testing of aerospace products. The scope of co-operation may also extend to C4ISR activities.

The partnership with WZL-1 encompasses metallic and composite parts manufacturing, technology transfer, certification and quality assurance, and emerging technologies, while the MoU with WZL-2 focuses on exploring collaboration in MRO activities for the KC-390 and other aircraft, as well as painting services.

The additional MoUs with WSK and WBCKT further expand the outlook for industrial collaboration across complementary capabilities. The MoU with WSK covers potential co-operation in aircraft component production and services, mechanical and heat-treatment processes, as well as training programmes and consulting services, while under the accord with WBCKT the companies will evaluate opportunities for the joint development of ground support equipment for the KC-390 Millennium.

On the day of the MoU signing ceremony, Embraer officially presented the KC-390 Millennium, as well as highlighting the counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities of its A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.

“Thanks to the agreements signed with Embraer, the PGZ Group gains a partner who is one of the largest aviation companies in the world,” Jan Grabowski, vice president of the management board of PGZ, was quoted as saying in an Embraer press release. “Today’s event confirms that we are ready to establish long-term co-operation, which will translate into increased potential for the Polish defence industry, technology transfer, and the acquisition of new competencies in one of the key areas of the modern battlefield.”

“At Embraer, the concept of co-operation is part of our DNA,” added Bosco Da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The agreements we signed today lay a solid foundation for a long-term partnership that will effectively place Poland at the centre of the industrial ecosystem we are creating in Europe.”

Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the Millennium has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, according to Embraer.

The aircraft has also been selected by South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.

The C-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tonnes concentrated) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (870 km/h). By comparison, a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules has a maximum payload of 21.7 tonnes and a maximum cruising speed of 657 km/h.

While the C-390 can achieve a range of 2,000 km with a 26-tonne payload, the C-130J-30 can reach 4,425 km with a 20-tonne payload.

However, when configured with air-to-air refuelling equipment, when it is designated the KC-390, a Millennium can both dispense fuel and receive it from another KC-390, extending its range.