Embraer Defense & Security will display its portfolio of defense aircraft and solutions at the first edition of the Korean Army International Defense Exhibition (KADEX) from 2 to 6 October 2024 in Gyeryongdae, South Korea. Embraer’s suite of defense aircraft and solutions includes its civilian aircraft for special missions.
Embraer’s C-390 Millennium was selected in December 2023 for the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II contract to provide the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) with new military transport aircraft. The project is underway and Korean suppliers that have been appointed for the C-390 program are ASTK, EMK and KENCOA. In support of the C-390 Millennium project for South Korea, Embraer is growing relations with Korea Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Service Ltd (KAEMS).
“The Embraer team is honoured to be at the inaugural KADEX event,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “South Korea is an important market for us and we look forward to building stronger bonds with the local aerospace and defense industry.”
With a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and state-of-the-art systems, the C-390 is one of the best aircraft in its class. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold equipped with a rear ramp and robust landing gear enable it to carry out the most demanding missions, including from unpaved runways. A true strategic asset for its end users, the C-390 Millennium can perform a wide range of military and civilian missions such as transport of cargo, personnel and vehicles, peacekeeping operations, special operations, humanitarian support, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, air-to-air refueling, and disaster management.
The current fleet of C-390 aircraft around the world has accumulated more than 14,000 flight hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category. Along with South Korea, the C-390 has been selected by The Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal and Brazil.
Embraer’s participation at KADEX reflects its growing footprint in South Korea. Korean companies are already part of Embraer’s global supply chain for the E-Jets E2 commercial aviation aircraft family and the relations between Embraer and South Korean aerospace and defense industry will grow further with the C-390 program for ROKAF.
A Praetor 600, equipped with the capabilities to undertake a wide range of flight inspection tasks has been operated by South Korea’s Flight Inspection Services Center since the end of 2023. The state-of-the-art Praetor 600 is outfitted with Aerodata’s most modern flight inspection system AeroFIS® and the aircraft fully complies with the high-level requirements of the end-user.
Embraer marked its 55th anniversary in August this year. The company has produced and delivered 9,000 aircraft to more than 100 countries and has over 800 active patents. With an order book at its highest level in seven years, totalling US$21 billion in the second quarter of this year, the company projects to conclude 2024 with revenues between US$6.0 and US$6.4 billion.
In response to the increased aircraft production and anticipated future growth, Embraer is investing in new technologies, expansion of aeronautical services, and projects aiming to expand industrial activity. As Brazil’s largest exporter of high technology, the company is well-positioned across all its operational segments: commercial aviation, business aviation, defense, and services.