Embraer is stepping up efforts to secure its first African order for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, with Angola’s President João Lourenço holding a second meeting with the Brazilian manufacturer’s defense division chief in less than three months.
Lourenço received Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, in Luanda on November 10. Angola’s presidency described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen aviation cooperation, and state broadcaster Rádio Nacional de Angola said military aviation was specifically discussed.
The meeting followed an earlier audience on August 17, extending a sales campaign that dates back more than three years. Angola has expressed interest in acquiring three C-390s, although neither government nor Embraer has announced a contract.
The potential acquisition is also receiving support from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has promoted the aircraft during diplomatic engagements with Angola.
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In August 2023, during a presidential visit to Luanda, Brazilian trade promotion officials said Angola was interested in four aircraft, subject to financing. The number was subsequently reduced to three in public discussions.
During Lourenço’s visit to Brasília in May 2025, Lula raised the prospect of financing the aircraft through Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), a state-owned development bank that supports industrial investment and Brazilian exports.
Angolan defense officials have also examined the aircraft in service. In January, a military delegation visited Beja Air Base in Portugal, where the Portuguese Air Force operates the KC-390, and received a presentation of its capabilities and flight simulator.
Financing remains central to Angola’s C-390 negotiations
The proposed acquisition, estimated at approximately US$400 million, has faced difficulties over the availability of financing and acceptable guarantees.
In September, Brazilian financial newspaper Valor Econômico reported that the Brazilian government was considering accepting Angolan sovereign debt securities as collateral for an export financing package worth approximately R$2 billion (US$400 million).
The proposal emerged because Angola reportedly could not provide the cash deposit initially sought as security for part of the financing. Sovereign bonds could offer an alternative form of collateral, although their value and the risk of default would remain important considerations.
According to the newspaper, the proposed arrangement could extend over 20 years and would require Angola’s approval. No final financing structure has been publicly confirmed.
The involvement of BNDES could be decisive. Government-backed export credit can allow aircraft manufacturers to compete for contracts in countries that need new military equipment but cannot fund major acquisitions entirely through their defense budgets.
Angola’s air force operates several Soviet-designed transport aircraft, including Antonov and Ilyushin types. The C-390, which can carry up to 57,320 lb (26,000 kg) of payload, could replace part of this aging fleet and provide greater flexibility for military transport, humanitarian missions and disaster relief.
The country is already an Embraer defense customer, operating the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. During the 2025 presidential visit, Lula also mentioned the possibility of upgrading Angola’s existing Super Tucanos and supplying additional aircraft.
Morocco and South Africa are competing prospects
Angola is one of several African countries being pursued by Embraer as the manufacturer seeks to expand the C-390’s international customer base beyond Europe, Asia and South America.
Morocco has emerged as another potential customer. Embraer has promoted the aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force as a possible replacement for older Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports, and the two countries signed an aerospace cooperation memorandum in 2024.
The Moroccan discussions have generated speculation about a possible acquisition, but Embraer has not publicly confirmed a firm C-390 order from the country.
South Africa is another significant prospect. Its air force operates aging C-130 transports, and Embraer has demonstrated the C-390 to South African military officials on multiple occasions.
In 2025, Embraer signed a cooperation agreement with South African defense company Denel covering potential industrial activities associated with the aircraft, including manufacturing and maintenance. The manufacturer has continued promoting the C-390 to South African authorities in 2026.
The aircraft has also been presented in other African markets, including Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana and Namibia. Embraer estimates that Africa could account for approximately 13% of a potential global market of 450 C-390 aircraft over the next two decades.
Financing is a significant consideration for several potential customers on the continent. Military transport aircraft require substantial investment not only in acquisition costs but also in training, infrastructure, maintenance and long-term logistical support.
For Angola, the latest presidential meeting demonstrates that discussions remain active after more than three years. However, neither the proposed financing arrangement nor an aircraft purchase has been formally approved, leaving the timing of a possible first African C-390 order uncertain.
