Colombia orders two Embraer KC-390 Millennium airlifters for fleet modernization

The Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC) has signed a $366.4 million contract for two Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission airlifters, marking the first Latin American customer outside Brazil to adopt the type. The agreement, announced on August 4, 2026, encompasses the two aircraft along with mission equipment, comprehensive training for FAC personnel, ground support equipment, and a two-year integrated logistics support program. Deliveries are slated for 2029 and 2030, with initial ferry flights from Embraer's Gavião Peixoto facility to Bogotá's CATAM air base.

This procurement forms part of the FAC's strategic modernization under its Air and Space Development Strategy 2042 (EDAES 2042), announced in 2019. The two KC-390s will replace the FAC's aging fleet of Lockheed C-130B and C-130H Hercules aircraft, which have been operational since the late 1960s and supplemented by second-hand U.S. transfers. The fleet's vulnerability was underscored by a tragic accident in March 2026, when a C-130H crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo, resulting in 70 fatalities out of 126 on board.

Although the decision to select Embraer's KC-390 was directed by President Gustavo Petro in mid-2026 before the FAC completed its technical evaluations, the air force maintains the selection was based on extensive technical, legal, and financial analyses. The KC-390 was evaluated alongside potential alternatives such as the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M, but ultimately emerged as the preferred choice to meet Colombia's heavy tactical transport needs.

Embraer highlights the KC-390's advanced capabilities, including the ability to carry up to 26 tons of payload at speeds reaching 470 knots, and operate from short or unpaved runways. The aircraft also features flexible configurations for air-to-air refueling — either as a tanker or receiver — enhancing operational versatility. This aligns with the FAC's acquisition of 17 Saab Gripen E/F fighters under a separate €3.1 billion contract announced in November 2025, with connectivity engineered to integrate the KC-390 with these new fighters.

The KC-390 program has been embraced by 13 nations worldwide, including Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Notably, the Czech Air Force took delivery of its first KC-390 in July 2026. This broad adoption underscores the KC-390's growing reputation as a modern and capable multi-mission airlifter beyond its native Brazil.

Bosco da Costa Junior, Embraer Defense & Security’s president and CEO, expressed honor at Colombia's selection of the KC-390, citing a longstanding relationship that dates back over 35 years when Colombia procured Embraer EMB-312 Tucano and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. The continuation of this partnership with the KC-390 represents a significant advancement in Colombia's airlift and refueling capabilities.

In addition to the aircraft and equipment, the contract includes an offset program designed to meet Colombian government regulations, supporting broader industrial and technological cooperation. The integration of the KC-390 into the FAC fleet is planned over four years, demonstrating a phased approach to fleet renewal and capability enhancement.

With the KC-390s positioned to enhance Colombia’s air transport and tanker capacities, the FAC projects strengthened operational readiness and interoperability within its air combat and support missions, particularly in coordination with its new Gripen fighters. The replacement of the Hercules fleet with modern KC-390s signals a substantial upgrade for Colombian tactical airlift and multi-mission aviation capabilities in the coming decade.