Lockheed Martin Responds After Greece Selects Brazilian KC-390 Aircraft

by · Greek City Times

Lockheed Martin has issued a pointed response following Greece’s decision to acquire Brazil’s KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft, highlighting the C-130’s production record and global track record.

The American defence giant published a video on its official X account on Monday, November 2, highlighting the scale of its C-130 Hercules programme shortly after Greece signed an agreement to purchase the rival KC-390.

“More than 2,700 C-130s have been built. One competitor? Fewer than 20,” Lockheed Martin stated in the post.

The company added: “Competitors can promise the future. The advantage belongs to those who can build, scale and deliver.”

Read more: Greece to Acquire Embraer KC-390 Aircraft from Portugal

Although Lockheed Martin did not explicitly mention Embraer or Greece, the timing and wording of the post have drawn attention following Athens’ decision to select the Brazilian aircraft over the American-built C-130J.

Greece signs agreement for up to six KC-390s

On November 2, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo signed an intergovernmental agreement covering the procurement of three KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with an option for three additional aircraft.

Portugal is facilitating the acquisition after approving the procurement arrangement on October 14.

The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Greece in 2027.

The agreement represents a significant development in the Hellenic Air Force’s efforts to modernise its ageing transport fleet, which includes older C-130B aircraft.

Why Greece selected the KC-390

The Brazilian-built KC-390 Millennium offers a maximum cargo capacity of 26 tonnes and provides Greece with additional operational capabilities.

One particularly important advantage is its aerial refuelling capability, which will allow the Hellenic Air Force to refuel compatible aircraft, initially including its Rafale and Mirage fighters.

The selection also marks a departure from previous expectations that Greece would pursue additional American-built C-130J aircraft.

KC-390 gains ground across Europe

Greece becomes the seventh European country to select the KC-390, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden.

International customers also include South Korea, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Brazil, the aircraft’s launch customer, has ordered 19.

Embraer welcomed Greece’s decision, with Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, describing it as a sign of confidence in the aircraft among NATO members.

The contrasting messages from the two manufacturers highlight the competition in the military transport aircraft market, as European countries reassess their defence procurement priorities.

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