Since its inception in 1969, Embraer has transformed into a global powerhouse in aerospace, earning accolades for its innovation, performance, and strategic vision. While its commercial aviation segment is widely recognised, Embraer Defense & Security has emerged as a vital arm, contributing significantly to global defence and security markets. This segment has positioned itself as a leading innovator, offering an array of cutting-edge solutions, including military aircraft, surveillance systems, and integrated defence platforms, earning the trust of over 60 nations worldwide.

THE FOUNDATION

Headquartered in São José dos Campos, Brazil, Embraer Defense & Security serves as a linchpin in Brazil’s national defence strategy. The company’s origins are rooted in advancing Brazil’s self-reliance in aerospace technology. Over time, Embraer has leveraged its deep technical expertise to deliver versatile and cost-effective defence solutions that cater to both developing and developed nations. The company’s core philosophy revolves around adaptability, cost-efficiency, and user-centric design, making its products highly appealing to a diverse range of customers.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

Beyond aircraft, Embraer Defense & Security delivers integrated solutions tailored to modern security challenges. Through its subsidiary Savis, the company designs advanced border surveillance and monitoring systems, fortifying national security for customers in regions like Latin America and Africa. Additionally, Embraer’s partnerships with Atech, a leading developer of command and control systems, and Visiona, which specialises in satellite integration, demonstrate its commitment to a holistic approach to defence. These collaborations ensure Embraer remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements, offering clients unmatched interoperability across platforms.

GLOBAL COLLABORATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

key driver of Embraer’s success is its robust network of partnerships. Collaborations with defence organisations like Saab (on Brazil’s Gripen fighter jet programme), Lockheed Martin, and Boeing highlight the company’s ability to align with global giants. Embraer’s deep integration into NATO standards and partnerships with nations outside the Western bloc underscore its agility in navigating a multipolar defence market.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION

Embraer D&S’s evolving trajectory in defence aligns with its broader corporate commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company actively explores the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electrification, and enhanced materials to reduce the environmental footprint of its products. The C-390 Millennium, for instance, offers reduced lifecycle costs and fuel efficiency, aligning operational capability with environmental responsibility.

EMBRAER PORTFOLIO: COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS ACROSS DEFENSE AND SECURITY DOMAINS

Embraer Defense and Security offers an extensive and versatile portfolio that addresses all facets of defence and security operations. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the company provides advanced solutions across Air, Land, Sea, Space, and Cyber domains, enabling robust operational capabilities for defence forces worldwide.

• In the Air domain, Embraer is a global leader, providing a diverse range of defence and Security aircraft, including the multi-mission C-390 Millennium and the light attack A-29 Super Tucano. The portfolio also features the P600 AEW&C surveillance aircraft, platforms for Medevac, training, and flight inspection, aircraft modernisation programmes, and air traffic management systems.
• For Land, Embraer delivers radar and land systems that protect critical assets with layered surveillance solutions, command and control centers, and modular systems integration tailored to customer needs.
• In the Sea domain, Embraer, through its subsidiary Atech, offers integrated maritime solutions for tactical missions, combining vessel systems, sensors, and aircraft to enhance situational awareness and decision-making while ensuring cybersecurity.
• Through its subsidiary Visiona Space Technology, Embraer operates in Space, offering satellite development, remote sensing, telecommunications, and advanced SAR aerial survey technologies.
• In Cyber, Tempest Security Intelligence, a subsidiary of Embraer, specialises in digital security with over 20 years of expertise. Tempest provides strategic consulting, managed security services, software integration, and digital identity solutions, securing critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

GAME-CHANGING AIRCRAFT PLATFORMS

At the heart of Embraer Defense & Security portfolio is its flagship product, the C-390 Millennium. This next-generation multimission military transport aircraft exemplifies the company’s ethos of innovation and operational flexibility. Capable of rapid troop and cargo transport, medical evacuations, and air-to-air refueling, the C-390 is redefining air mobility. Praised for its unmatched reliability, reduced operational costs, and versatility, the aircraft has been adopted by Brazil, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) member nations and Asian countries, signaling Embraer’s growing influence in global defence.

Another standout is the A-29 Super Tucano, a turboprop light-attack aircraft that balances rugged performance with modern capabilities. With over 260 units delivered to clients such as the United States, Afghanistan, and several African nations, the Super Tucano has proven effective in counter-insurgency missions, training, and surveillance operations. Its ability to operate in austere environments, combined with advanced avionics and cost-effectiveness, makes it a staple for nations seeking reliable solutions in asymmetric warfare.

EMBRAER’S YEAR-END HIGH WITH THE C-390 MILLENNIUM AND A-29 SUPER TUCANO

Embraer concluded 2024 with significant milestones, affirming its position as a leading force in the global defence aviation market. Its flagship military platforms—the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano—are redefining the standards for versatility, performance, and costeffectiveness. With new contracts and expanded adoption across continents, including Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, Embraer is meeting the dynamic requirements of modern defence forces.

Embraer’s latest customer for C-390 Millennium is the tenth nation to select the C-390 after Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Slovakia.

The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, in operation by 16 air forces.

THE C-390 MILLENNIUM: REVOLUTIONISING MULTI-MISSION AIRLIFT

Adoption Across Europe and NATO

The C-390 Millennium continues its ascent as the aircraft of choice among EU/NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) members and its allies in Europe, contributing to the modernisation of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability with allied forces. Portugal, Hungary, and Brazil currently operate the platform, with additional orders from the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Sweden recently selected the aircraft, citing its ability to enhance operational capabilities while ensuring interoperability with allied forces. Slovakia is poised to join the programme, as the Slovak Ministry of defence has announced plans to purchase three C-390 units in early 2025. This decision is influenced by the operational synergies the aircraft offers with neighboring countries already using the platform. During this visit to Brazil, the Slovak Minister of defence acknowledged that the Embraer C-390 is the option that better fits Slovakia’s future military transport requirements.

The Slovak Ministry of defence’s interest underscores the C-390’s role as a unifying platform among allied forces. Slovakia has emphasised the benefits of shared logistics, training, and operational synergies with neighboring nations operating the C-390, positioning the aircraft as a critical asset for fostering regional collaboration.

Exceptional Performance and Versatility

Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, the C-390 has proven itself as a leader in its category. By 2024, the fleet has logged over 15,500 flight hours, achieving a mission capability rate of 93 per cent and mission completion rates exceeding 99 per cent. Its ability to handle diverse missions—from troop and cargo transport to firefighting, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and air-to-air refueling—sets it apart in the medium military transport segment. Notably, the aircraft’s payload capacity of 26 tonnes, speed of 470 knots, and compatibility with temporary or unpaved runways make it an indispensable asset for modern air forces. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year.

Expanding Capabilities

Embraer and FAB are actively enhancing the C-390’s utility through ongoing collaboration. Embraer and the FAB signed an agreement today at Mostra BID, the National defence and Security Fair in Brasilia, to deepen collaborative studies aimed at expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium platform for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with a focus on Maritime Patrol. A new Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II) was also integrated into the fleet, enabling rapid deployment of up to 12,000 liters of water in just seven seconds—further broadening the aircraft’s humanitarian mission profile.

Global Expansion and Reliability

The C-390’s growing global footprint now includes Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, Sweden, South Korea, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. Most recently, Embraer signed a contract with an undisclosed customer for two additional C-390 units configured for missions such as tactical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and medical evacuation. These additions make the customer the tenth nation to select the platform, reinforcing its reputation as the next generation of military airlift.

In 2023, SAMI, Saudi Arabia’s defense and security leader, and Embraer signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in aerospace, focusing on promoting the C-390 Millennium aircraft and supporting the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense. The agreement included plans to establish maintenance capabilities, explore a Regional MRO Hub and final assembly line, integrate mission systems, and collaborate on training to expand opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s aerospace sector.

The development of new operational capabilities demonstrates Embraer’s engineering and systems integration expertise. The aircraft is already considered by its end users as the most advanced in its category.

A-29 SUPER TUCANO: SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN LIGHT ATTACK AND ADVANCED TRAINING

Expanding Global Adoption

The A-29 Super Tucano’s global presence continues to grow, with over 290 orders and 5,70,000 flight hours, including 60,000 in combat operations. Recent contracts highlight its widespread appeal, including sales to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), and orders from the Uruguayan and Paraguayan Air Forces. In Africa, Embraer signed a deal for four units with an undisclosed customer for border surveillance, counterinsurgency, and ISR missions. Another undisclosed buyer placed an order for six units, scheduled for delivery in 2026, equipped for battlefield air interdiction, maritime patrol, and territorial defence.

Unmatched Operational Flexibility

The A-29’s multi-mission capabilities cover a wide range of roles, such as armed reconnaissance, air escort, advanced pilot training, maritime strike, and border surveillance. Its robust airframe is designed for austere environments, capable of operating from unpaved runways without infrastructure. This operational reliability is paired with reduced maintenance requirements, making it an economical choice for air forces worldwide. For air forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as close air support, air patrol, special operations, air interdiction, JTAC, forward air controller (FAC), air and tactical coordinator (TAC), armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, air escort, basic, operational and advanced training, transition to air superiority fighters, JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.

Portugal as the Launch Customer for the A-29N

Portugal’s Ministry of National defence became the launch customer for the new variant of this advanced trainer and light attack aircraft, A-29N Super Tucano, procuring 12 units tailored to meet NATO standards. Equipped with advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems, and undisclosed operational enhancements, this variant offers unmatched versatility for Advanced Pilot Training, Light Attack, Close Air Support (CAS), and ISR missions. Portugal’s acquisition signals a commitment to modernising its Air Force with a proven, cost-effective, and reliable aircraft. With this purchase, Portugal became the first nation to operate the A-29N, leading the way in adopting a very capable platform designed to support a wide range of modern defence missions.

Market Leadership

As the global leader in its category, the A-29 Super Tucano combines cutting-edge technology with operational practicality. Its advanced human-machine interface avionics, precise targeting systems, and comprehensive communications suite ensure mission success across diverse operational contexts. Whether for counterinsurgency or training for next-generation air superiority fighters, the A-29 offers unparalleled value to its operators.

EMBRAER’S LEGACY AND GLOBAL REACH

Since its inception, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. With one taking off every 10 seconds somewhere in the world, the company transports over 150 million passengers annually. As Brazil’s largest exporter of high-value goods, Embraer is a pioneer in commercial jets with up to 150 seats and a key player in global defence innovation.

Through cutting-edge platforms like the C-390 Millennium and A-29N Super Tucano, Embraer continues to transform defence aviation, driving collaboration, enhancing capabilities, and securing its position as a trusted partner for nations worldwide.

With a vision rooted in continuous innovation and customer-driven solutions, Embraer Defense & Security is poised to expand its footprint further. Its commitment to cost-effective, adaptable, and technologically advanced solutions has positioned it as a critical partner for nations aiming to modernise their defence capabilities. As global security challenges evolve, Embraer’s agility and ingenuity ensure it will remain at the forefront of aerospace and defence, shaping the future of military aviation and integrated security systems. Embraer’s Defense and Security portfolio exemplifies innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to enhancing global security. By integrating advanced technologies across Air, Land, Sea, Space, and Cyber domains, the company continues to empower armed forces and security agencies to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.