Morocco is reportedly close to finalizing a major defense deal with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer to acquire four or five KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft, according to a report by Defence and Security Alert, a magazine specializing in military affairs. The estimated value of the deal is around $600 million.
The KC-390 Millennium aircraft are expected to replace the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s aging fleet of C-130H Hercules. With a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and a cruising speed of approximately 870 km/h, the aircraft features a fly-by-wire control system, advanced avionics, and a rear cargo ramp.
It is capable of taking off and landing on short or unprepared runways, making it well-suited for desert and remote operations.
The versatile KC-390 can perform a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, such as armored vehicles and light helicopters, as well as medical evacuation and humanitarian aid delivery. Its multi-role capability marks a significant leap in Morocco’s air mobility and operational flexibility.
The report also highlighted the strategic and geopolitical implications of the acquisition. With Algeria operating Russian-made Il-76 heavy transport aircraft, the KC-390 would help Morocco narrow the gap in airlift capabilities and strengthen its strategic position in North Africa. The aircraft is also compatible with NATO logistics systems, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a reliable partner in multinational operations.
The KC-390 deal is seen as part of Morocco’s broader strategy to diversify its defense procurement sources. By opting for a modern Brazilian platform, the country aims to reduce its reliance on U.S.-manufactured systems and deepen ties with defense partners in the Global South.
The agreement with Embraer, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, includes pilot and technician training, logistical support, and potential industrial cooperation. This aligns with previous ambitions to establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in Morocco, based on earlier agreements between the company and the Moroccan government.
According to Embraer, the KC-390 is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite and the Gabbiano T-20 radar system by SELEX Galileo.
The aircraft can carry more than 64 fully equipped paratroopers for airdrop missions and can be fitted with aerial refueling units delivering up to 400 gallons of fuel per minute. Its self-protection suite integrates advanced threat detection and warning systems, enhancing survivability in hostile environments.
Last October, during the seventh Marrakech Air Show, Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer to launch joint aerospace projects in both commercial and defense aviation sectors, a move that laid the groundwork for the current deal.
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