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Lockheed Martin has issued a pointed response following Greece\u2019s decision to acquire Brazil\u2019s KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft, highlighting the C-130\u2019s production record and global track record.<\/strong><\/p>\n The American defence giant published a video on its official X account on Monday, November 2, highlighting the scale of its C-130 Hercules programme shortly after Greece signed an agreement to purchase the rival KC-390.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than 2,700 C-130s have been built. One competitor? Fewer than 20,\u201d Lockheed Martin stated in the post.<\/p>\n The company added: \u201cCompetitors can promise the future. The advantage belongs to those who can build, scale and deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n Read more: Greece to Acquire Embraer KC-390 Aircraft from Portugal<\/p>\n Although Lockheed Martin did not explicitly mention Embraer or Greece, the timing and wording of the post have drawn attention following Athens\u2019 decision to select the Brazilian aircraft over the American-built C-130J.<\/p>\n On November 2, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Portuguese Defence Minister Nuno Melo signed an intergovernmental agreement covering the procurement of three KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with an option for three additional aircraft.<\/p>\n Portugal is facilitating the acquisition after approving the procurement arrangement on October 14.<\/p>\n The first aircraft is expected to arrive in Greece in 2027.<\/p>\n The agreement represents a significant development in the Hellenic Air Force\u2019s efforts to modernise its ageing transport fleet, which includes older C-130B aircraft.<\/p>\n The Brazilian-built KC-390 Millennium offers a maximum cargo capacity of 26 tonnes and provides Greece with additional operational capabilities.<\/p>\n One particularly important advantage is its aerial refuelling capability, which will allow the Hellenic Air Force to refuel compatible aircraft, initially including its Rafale and Mirage fighters.<\/p>\n The selection also marks a departure from previous expectations that Greece would pursue additional American-built C-130J aircraft.<\/p>\n Greece becomes the seventh European country to select the KC-390, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden.<\/p>\n International customers also include South Korea, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Brazil, the aircraft\u2019s launch customer, has ordered 19.<\/p>\n Embraer welcomed Greece\u2019s decision, with Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, describing it as a sign of confidence in the aircraft among NATO members.<\/p>\n The contrasting messages from the two manufacturers highlight the competition in the military transport aircraft market, as European countries reassess their defence procurement priorities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nGreece signs agreement for up to six KC-390s<\/h2>\n
Why Greece selected the KC-390<\/h2>\n
KC-390 gains ground across Europe<\/h2>\n