After what seemed like to go on forever the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) finally signed a contract with Embraer for the purchase of five C-390M (Millennium) transport aircraft.

 

The purchase is part of an overall agreement with the Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) in which the Austrians buy four C-390M's. The agreement was signed on 22 July on the first day of the Farnborough trade show.

 

In The Netherlands they will replace four old Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft (two of which the longer -30 version). In Austria the C-390M will replace even older C-130K aircraft that belonged to the Royal Air Force (RAF) before moving to the Alpine country.

 

The idea of a combined deal with Austria originated in 2023 and is benefitting for both parties as it offers economies of scale. It is  also enabling the exchange of experiences and spare parts. Further, the KLu is planning the purchase of a simulator.

 

Saying goodbye to the venerable Hercules will result in reduced maintenance and a higher operational availability. The fifth aircraft will also increase the overall transport capacity.

 

It is expected that the first three planes will be delivered at the end of 2027.