SAMI, Embraer to co-operate on C-390 for Saudi Arabia

With a Royal Saudi Air Force requirement to replace its ageing C-130 Hercules airlifters, the C-390 Millennium (pictured) is a possible contender. (Embraer)

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Embraer have agreed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) geared at co-operation between the respective national defence sectors in general, and specifically towards promoting the Brazilian built C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to the kingdom.

Signed on 29 November, the MOU will see both companies work to develop Saudi Arabia's defence industrial sector as part of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 project.

“This agreement is geared towards expanding the operational footprint of both companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on promoting the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and delivering support to the kingdom's Ministry of Defence,” a joint statement issued by both companies said. “SAMI and Embraer will work to establish comprehensive maintenance capability for the Embraer aircraft in the Kingdom. Additionally, both companies will explore a Regional MRO [maintenance, repair, and overhaul] Hub and a final assembly line for the Embraer C-390, as well as a mission system integration in the Kingdom. Furthermore, SAMI and Embraer will engage in training activities, which will enable the opening of new opportunities for both companies across the aerospace sector in the Kingdom and the region.”

The C-390 is the transport variant of the KC-390 tanker-transport aircraft. Both airframes are identical, except for the addition of wingtip refuelling pods on the latter.