Embraer unveiled the first C-390 Millennium for the South Korea Air Force (ROKAF) during the first day of the Singapore Airshow 2026, announcing it has entered the final phase of assembly.
The aircraft will now move on to production flights before integrating specific systems to fulfill ROKAF requirements.
In the statement issued on February 3, 2026, Embraer said that this achievement represents a significant step following South Korea’s selection of the C-390 for its Large Transport Aircraft (LTA-II) program, becoming the manufacturer’s first Millennium customer in Asia.
“The progress of Republic of Korea’s first C-390 Millennium demonstrates both the efficiency and maturity of our production line and the strength of our partnership with DAPA, ROKAF and our Korean suppliers,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
NOTÍCIA | Embraer apresenta o primeiro C-390 Millennium da Força Aérea da República da Coreia. Leia notícia completa: https://t.co/R5sag0PsEE pic.twitter.com/9V1sT2yqMr
— Embraer (@embraer) February 3, 2026
C-390 Millennium capabilities
The C-390 Millennium is a modern military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of 26 tons, a cruising speed of 470 knots, and a longer range compared to other medium-sized aircraft.
It can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways.
The aircraft configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment under the designation KC-390 can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver. The Millennium is fully interoperable within the NATO environment and especially suitable for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations.
“This aircraft represents advanced multi-mission capabilities and reliability backed by engineering excellence for ROKAF,” Bosco da Costa Junior added. “Additionally, industrial cooperation with Korea is advancing very well and strengthening our global supply chain as we scale up our C-390 production to support global customers.”
So far, the C-390 Millennium has already been selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
