# Morocco joins the C-390 Millennium user group

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/10/morocco-joins-the-c-390-millennium-user-group/
- Published: 2024-10-09T15:43:14+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

The user group for Brazil’s Embraer C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft
has recently expanded, with the Kingdom of Morocco emerging as the latest customer.

Following an evaluation of a Brazilian Air Force C-390 (registered as PT-ZNG) at
Rabat in March 2024, Morocco has joined the C-390 User Group. This was confirmed
by the appearance of the Moroccan flag on a PowerPoint slide at a recent conference
of the group, as reported by Defense Atlas, a Moroccan defence account on X. Morocco’s
inclusion, alongside countries like Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, 
Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, the UAE, and Chile, was unexpected. Letters
of intent have reportedly been signed by Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, while other
potential customers include Angola, Egypt, Greece, India, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, 
South Africa, and Sweden.

Negotiations between Morocco and the Brazilian company to locally manufacture the
aircraft had previously reached an advanced stage. The Kingdom of Morocco Armies
X account confirmed that the “C-390 Millennium will therefore replace the oldest
C-130 Hercules models in service with Moroccan Air Force logistics/tactic transport
aviation.”

Currently, Morocco operates four C-27J Spartans, 16 C-130H Hercules, and six CASA
CN-235s in transport roles, with one Hercules configured for SIGINT and two as tankers.

Morocco has allocated $12.88 billion to its defense industry as part of the 2024
finance law. This budget includes an increase of nearly MAD 5 billion ($484.7 million)
compared to 2023.

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#### C-390 Millennium Capabilities

The C-390 Millennium boasts a maximum payload of 26 tons and a top speed of 470 
knots. Its spacious cargo hold features a rear ramp, and the aircraft is equipped
with modern avionics, including the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion and SELEX Galileo’s
tactical radar. The aircraft’s fly-by-wire controls and modular design allow for
rapid mission reconfiguration. The cargo hold measures 18.5 meters in length, 3.45
meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. The C-390 operates at a cruising speed
of Mach 0.8, offering medium airlift transport capabilities.

#### Growing Interest in Africa

The C-390 has attracted interest from several African nations. South Africa is [considering](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/south-africa-expresses-interest-in-embraer-c-390-after-evaluation/)
acquiring multi-mission transport aircraft, with the SANDF [evaluating](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/south-africa-expresses-interest-in-embraer-c-390-after-evaluation/)
the C-390 as a potential replacement for its aging fleet. This interest grew following
a [successful demonstration](https://www.military.africa/2024/09/embraer-c-390-millennium-returns-to-south-africa-for-aad-2024/)
at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition. The aircraft was also [demonstrated](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/embraer-showcases-kc-390-to-nigeria-amid-transport-aircraft-competition/)
to the Nigerian Air Force, which is hoping to secure a contract for the medium tactical
transport aircraft.

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is [eyeing the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) ](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/embraer-showcases-kc-390-to-nigeria-amid-transport-aircraft-competition/)
as a potential customer for its C-390 military transport aircraft. This strategic
move follows the recent industrial cooperation agreement signed between Egypt and
Brazil, which aims to enhance bilateral ties and foster technology transfers.

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The current fleet of C-390 aircraft has logged over 14,000 flight hours, achieving
a mission capability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%.

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