The South African Air Force (SAAF) remains keenly interested in the Embraer C-390 Millennium, as evidenced by their recent high-level visit to Embraer’s facilities in Brazil. This visit, which took place between November 7th and 8th, included key representatives from Denel and the SAAF, highlighting the ongoing discussions regarding the potential acquisition of the C-390 aircraft.
The SAAF delegation, led by Brigadier General Carl Moatshe, Director of Air Transport and Maritime Systems, and Denel executives, including Lindokuhle Justice Mpanza and Mante Mahlogonolo Phakathi, toured Embraer’s production lines for the C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano. This comprehensive tour showcased Embraer’s expertise in aeronautical technology, design, assembly, and support.
Demonstrations and Evaluations
Embraer recently showcased the C-390 aircraft at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held at Air Force Base Waterkloof from September 18th to 22nd, presenting the aircraft’s capabilities to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga. Following the AAD 2024, Embraer stated that the SANDF’s interest in the C-390 is based on its strategic lift capability and versatility for various missions, such as firefighting, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping operations.
Strategic Benefits and Potential Partnership
The SAAF is considering the C-390 Millennium to replace or augment its aging C-130BZ Hercules fleet, which has faced maintenance and availability issues. The C-390, demonstrated to the SAAF and other government departments in November 2023, offers modern and high-performing capabilities, making it ideal for South Africa’s needs. Embraer officials have also engaged with the South African National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to discuss the aircraft’s role in missions like firefighting and humanitarian airlift.
The potential partnership between South Africa and Embraer could enhance the country’s aerospace capabilities and provide economic benefits. Defence Minister Thandi Modise has indicated that her department hopes to announce a collaboration that would include the manufacture and repair of aircraft in South Africa, aligning with the SAAF’s goals of acquiring new transport aircraft to support peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Embraer’s medium airlift transport aircraft has enjoyed a recent surge in sales momentum, with six customers confirming orders for an estimated 19 aircraft in 2024, with some slated for delivery in 2025.
