12 hours ago
Bydgoszcz, Poland, March 13, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) today officially presented the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft to Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 S.A. (WZL-2) in Bydgoszcz, Poland. This milestone represents the first concrete step in the strategic cooperation between the two companies, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 2, 2025, in Warsaw, which laid the foundation for deeper industrial and technological collaboration.
The KC-390 Millennium, a next-generation aircraft known for its versatility, high operational availability, and advanced technology, is designed to fulfill demanding airlift and aerial refueling missions. Its delivery to WZL-2 highlights Embraer’s commitment to strengthening industrial partnerships within the Polish aerospace and defense sector.
“Today’s event materializes Embraer’s and WZL-2’s shared vision for innovation and collaboration in the defense industry,” said Douglas Lobo, VP Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales, Embraer Services & Support. “By working closely with the Polish defense industry, we aim to build robust cooperation that fosters long-term value for Poland while contributing to the European defense community.”
The partnership between Embraer and WZL-2 focuses on establishing a comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability for the KC-390 Millennium in Poland. This initiative will enhance the aircraft’s operational readiness while promoting local expertise and industrial growth.
“Today, we are gathered here at WZL-2 to admire the KC-390 aircraft, which combines innovative technical solutions, reliability, and significant operational potential. Cooperation with Embraer opens new opportunities for us, enabling knowledge exchange and competency development. I believe our collaboration will be an important chapter in aviation innovation,” said Jakub Gazda, CEO of WZL-2.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, followed by the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has demonstrated its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet maintains a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.
The KC-390 can carry a payload of 26 tons, surpassing other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and flies faster at 470 knots with extended range. It performs a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport and drops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian aid. It is capable of operating from temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel. Configured with air-to-air refueling equipment and designated KC-390, the aircraft has proven its aerial refueling capability both as a tanker and as a receiver, including refueling from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.
Photo courtesy Embraer
