Publish Date : 15-Jul-2019
The Cabinet approved the expenditure for the purchase of five aircraft KC-390, a flight simulator, and for the aircraft logistics and flight simulator contracts.
At the press conference after the Council of Ministers, National Defense Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho explained that the aircraft with intercontinental reach, with true multi-mission capabilities, will be able to execute strategic and tactical operations, civil and military, without limitations, from transporting troops, vehicles and cargoes, launching paratroopers, and can be replenished in the air. It has a long-range cruising speed and range of action above that of C-130 aircraft
"It is a great time to announce the RCM that gives the authorization of spending on 5 KC-390 aircraft," said the Minister of National Defense, revealing that the authorized expenditure of 827 million euros for these aircraft that will perform double missions use: military and civilians. Where necessary, they may carry out medical evacuation, search and rescue, patient transport and fire-fighting missions.
Aircraft with 'unique characteristics'
During the conference, the Minister also highlighted the "unique characteristics of the KC-390" which "set a new standard for strategic military transport, hitherto only possible to provide with four-engine aircraft of superior dimensions and capabilities".
For Joo Gomes Cravinho, this is a solution "that fully satisfies the requirements defined by the Portuguese State, as well as those required for participation in military operations that may result from the alliances of which Portugal is a part".
"It is an aircraft with two engines but with capabilities that only four-engine aircraft can achieve," he said, highlighting its "intercontinental reach."
KC-390 to replace fleet C130
The five KC-390 aircraft, whose acquisition spending has now been authorized, will replace the current C130 fleet with the Air Force service about 40 years ago. The Minister said that this is a necessary measure, since the C130 fleet is already at the limit of its use.
In response to the journalists, Joao Gomes Cravinho said that the C130 are already "at the limit of their use" and that "have a few years of useful life ahead."
"They are now undergoing a minor upgrade to continue flying until the new KC390 fleet is complete," he added.
I encourage 'our economy'
About Embraer, the company responsible for the development of KC-390 aircraft, the Minister said that there was a long process of dialogue, partnership, joint work and also negotiation "to define the price and technical specifications" of them.
Joao Gomes Cravinho also highlighted the fact that the development of this aircraft represents "a very significant stimulus for our economy", not only for the companies that were already involved in the project but also for its future commercialization.
The minister also said that the aircraft will start arriving in February 2023 at a rate of one per year until February 2027.
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