Embraer and Aeroplex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on a project to qualify Aeroplex as an Embraer Authorized Service Center (EASC) in Hungary. The goal is to support and enable Aeroplex to provide line and intermediate maintenance to the Hungarian Defence Forces’ KC-390 Millennium aircraft.
“This MoU is part of Embraer’s commitment to expand the collaboration with Hungary in the aeronautical field,” said Leonardo Lopes Ferrucci, Head of Embraer Defense & Security Hungary. “The local MRO capability will become an operational advantage for the Hungarian KC-390s support after the entry into service.”
The Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, in its Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) configuration, designated KC-390. The acquisition is part of the process to strengthen the capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2024.
“We are glad to work with Embraer in this paramount project for the Hungarian Defence Forces,” said Aeroplex’s CEO, Demény Árpad. “While Embraer brings its expertise of more than 50 years supporting aircraft around the world, Aeroplex will apply all our knowledge and diversified portfolio to serve the KC-390 Millennium. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot together.”
The KC-390 for the Hungarian Defence Forces will be the first in the world with the Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, an essential feature to perform humanitarian missions. The aircraft fully meets the requirements of the Hungarian Defence Forces, being able to perform different types of military and civilian missions including Medical Evacuation, Cargo and Troops Transport, Precision Cargo Airdrop, Paratroopers Operations and AAR.
These KC-390 are fully NATO compatible, not only in terms of its hardware but also in its avionics and communications configuration. Furthermore, the KC-390 probe and drogue refueling system means the aircraft can refuel the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen, as well as other aircraft that use the same technology.
In August 2021, Embraer announced the opening of an office in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with the main objective to foster cooperation in the country. This initiative is part of Embraer’s strategy to establish new partnerships in select markets. Some of the key aspects of this future cooperation are the collaborative efforts with new partners, long-term projects, and investment in reliable dual-use technology.
