Morocco considers buying Brazil’s Embraer’s KC-390 transport aircraft

Morocco is moving forward with a major modernization of its Royal Air Force (FRA), with plans to acquire Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium aircraft, according to defense outlet Military Africa.

The procurement is part of a broader strategy to gradually replace the FRA’s aging fleet of 14 C-130H Hercules transport aircraft and KC-130H aerial refueling tankers.

If finalized, the deal would position Morocco among a growing list of countries opting for the KC-390, including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Slovakia.

The KC-390 Millennium is recognized for its versatility, high speed, and cost-efficiency. Capable of carrying up to 26 tons of cargo, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 987.8 km/h and has a standard range of 2,590 km. It is designed for a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo air drops, aerial refueling, and firefighting operations using specialized modules.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on October 30, 2024, during the Marrakech Air Show between Embraer and the Moroccan government.

The agreement outlines plans for joint development projects in Morocco’s aerospace sector, spanning commercial aviation, defense, and urban air mobility.

These initiatives are expected to generate significant economic benefits, with projections of $300 million in economic impact and the creation of 300 jobs by 2030. By 2035, the impact could rise to $1 billion and 1,000 jobs within the sector.