Austria selects C-390 Millennium

On 20 September 2023, the Austrian Minister of Defence, Klaudia Tanner, officially announced that Austria has selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as the successor for the Lockheed C-130K Hercules operated by the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force).

Austria will acquire four C-390 transport aircraft, valued at around € 600 million. The C-390 Millennium was the only one that met the technical specifications of the Armed Forces, the minister explained, explaining why this type could be decided on relatively early.

For acquiring the Brazilian made transporter, Austria cooperates with the Netherlands in buying together nine aircraft. The details of the cooperation will be negotiated over the next few months, and the contract is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2024. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected within two to three years after the contract is signed.

This announcement also explains why the Netherlands still had not signed a contract with Embraer. Through the joint procurement of the C-390s it is hoped that the price per aircraft will be lower. This week, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced that they will order a fifth aircraft.

Credit image: Embraer