Saudi Arabia Plans Acquisition of 33 C-390 Millennium Aircraft to Replace Aging C-130 Hercules Fleet

In a milestone that signals a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in defense and security, Saudi Arabia's SAMI Investment Fund has initiated negotiations to acquire up to 33 Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This ambitious project will also encompass establishing comprehensive personnel training and maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SAMI, Saudi Arabia's defense and security enterprise, and Embraer, the Brazilian aviation giant, aims to expand both companies' operational presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary focus will be to promote the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and provide support to the kingdom's Ministry of Defense.

A key aspect of the agreement is the establishment of comprehensive maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft within the Kingdom. This not only ensures the optimal performance of the C-390 Millennium fleet but also supports Saudi Arabia's endeavors towards defense self-sufficiency, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Engineer Walid A. Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: "It is another significant step in SAMI's efforts to support Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening the Kingdom's defense self-sufficiency and contributing to localizing 50% of defense spending in the Kingdom by 2030."

Moreover, the agreement entails exploring the possibility of establishing a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center, as well as an exclusive Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Embraer C-390 Millennium. This initiative not only solidifies Embraer's presence in the region but also serves as a platform for integrating specific mission systems for Saudi aircraft and potential clients in the region.

The strategic timing of this agreement is notable as Saudi Arabia assesses the replacement of its older fleet of 33 C-130H Hercules aircraft, with the Embraer C-390 Millennium emerging as a potential candidate for this replacement. This step could mark a significant milestone for the C-390 program, which has been gaining momentum in the international market.

The collaboration between SAMI and Embraer not only strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the aerospace industry but also aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's self-reliance and defensive capability in line with its long-term strategic objectives.