Portugal sells three KC-390 aircraft to Greece for about 590 million euros

The agreement

Portugal and Greece signed an agreement in Athens on Monday, 2 November 2026, for the sale of three Embraer KC-390 military transport aircraft. The Greek defence ministry said three aircraft are being acquired now, with three further purchase options through a joint arrangement with Portugal. Lusa reported a total of about 590 million euros for the aircraft, equipment and associated services, while PÚBLICO cited a deal of 600 million euros. The Portuguese state expects a return of 33 million euros, which the Portuguese ministry said would be channelled into the national defence industry.

Per aircraft11

Total for three aircraft33

Per aircraft

11 million euros

Total for three aircraft

33 million euros

Data from the article text

How the aircraft will reach Greece

Portugal has already received four of the six KC-390s it ordered from Embraer, and the arrangement lets Athens move up the production queue. Lisbon will buy the additional aircraft and pass them on to Greece. The first Greek aircraft is due in 2027, followed by phased deliveries in 2029 and 2031, all in the configuration Portugal developed to meet NATO requirements. PÚBLICO reported that Greece will be the eighth NATO member to choose the model. Greece currently flies 15 C-130 Hercules, which carry up to 19 tonnes, while the KC-390 carries up to 26 tonnes. The Greek order covers the KC version, which adds air-to-air refuelling that its Hercules fleet lacks.

Training and cooperation

Initial training for Greek aircrews and mechanics will take place at Beja Air Base in Portugal. The two air forces also signed a bilateral cooperation agreement covering training, maintenance and logistics. Portugal will oversee production, follow the acceptance and delivery process, and manage the operational transition. Nuno Melo, Portugal's defence minister, described the relationship in personal terms:

“Our countries are very similar in many aspects, so we understand each other very easily.”

Melo said the deal should be viewed as a long-term strategic partnership rather than a simple acquisition programme, with closer cooperation in training, maintenance, logistics and military capability development.

Wider defence ties

Melo named satellites, drone production, defence systems and aircraft as areas where the two countries could deepen cooperation. He told Lusa that Greece has shown interest in Portugal's multipurpose ship D. João II, scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 2027, although talks are at an early stage and business models will only be set if the agreements go ahead. Greece also expressed interest in unmanned aerial, surface and underwater vehicles and in the Super Tucano aircraft. Nikos Dendias, Greece's defence minister, called the agreement an important moment in relations between the two countries, praised Portugal's experience operating the KC-390, and pointed to possible joint work on building aircraft and vessels, including drone carriers.