Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and South Africa’s state-owned defense company Denel have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint industrial cooperation and expand military aviation capabilities across the African continent. The agreement was formalized during the LAAD Defense and Security exhibition in Brazil on April 4, 2025.
The MoU focuses on potential collaboration involving Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, particularly in the areas of manufacturing aerostructures, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The aim is to strengthen aerospace and defense ties between Brazil and South Africa, while also enhancing operational capabilities across Africa.
Chris Boshoff, Denel’s Group Executive for Aerospace, and Fabio Caparica, Vice President of Contracts at Embraer Defense & Security, signed the agreement. Both emphasized the significance of the collaboration, which builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies.
“This partnership offers us a valuable opportunity to work alongside Embraer in supporting the continent’s airlift needs,” said Boshoff. “Denel is prepared and qualified to deliver on the tasks this agreement entails.”
Caparica echoed the sentiment, highlighting the KC-390 Millennium’s potential as a modern replacement for aging fleets. “We are proud to partner with Denel as South Africa evaluates options for next-generation transport aircraft,” he said.
The KC-390 Millennium is a versatile multi-role military transport aircraft with a payload capacity of up to 26 tons. It boasts high-speed capabilities of up to 470 knots and is designed for rugged conditions, capable of operating from unpaved or semi-prepared runways. Its range of missions includes cargo and troop transport, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, firefighting, humanitarian assistance, and special operations.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the KC-390 has expanded its global footprint. It is currently operated by Portugal and Hungary, and has been ordered by several countries including South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Sweden and Slovakia have also announced their intention to adopt the aircraft.
With a mission completion rate of over 99%, the KC-390 Millennium is gaining recognition as a reliable and efficient replacement for legacy transport aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules.
The agreement between Embraer and Denel signals growing interest in regional industrial partnerships that can support local production and maintenance while advancing strategic airlift capabilities in Africa. It also positions South Africa as a potential hub for future KC-390 operations and support.
As defense modernization gains momentum globally, the collaboration is set to deliver economic, technological, and strategic benefits for both companies—and for Africa’s evolving defense landscape.
