Embraer has officially presented its KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft to Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 S.A. (WZL-2) in Bydgoszcz, marking a significant milestone in the development of industrial cooperation between the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer and the Polish defense sector.
The event represents the first tangible outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Warsaw on December 2, 2025, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the KC-390 platform in Poland.
The KC-390 Millennium is a next-generation military transport aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including tactical airlift, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and humanitarian operations. With a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, a cruising speed of 470 knots, and the ability to operate from unpaved runways, the aircraft offers a highly versatile solution for modern air forces.
The cooperation between Embraer and WZL-2 will focus on establishing comprehensive in-country MRO capabilities, aimed at enhancing fleet readiness while strengthening Poland’s domestic aerospace expertise and industrial base.
Douglas Lobo, Vice President of Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales at Embraer Services & Support, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and delivering long-term value both for Poland and the broader European defense ecosystem.
Jakub Gazda, CEO of WZL-2, underscored the significance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership with Embraer opens new opportunities for knowledge transfer and competency development, positioning WZL-2 as a key player in advanced military aviation support.
Since entering service in 2019 with the Brazilian Air Force, followed by Portugal in 2023 and Hungary in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has demonstrated strong operational performance, achieving mission capability rates of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%.
The presentation of the aircraft at WZL-2 signals a new phase of industrial cooperation and reflects a broader trend of strengthening European defense capabilities through international partnerships and localized support infrastructure.
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