The Portuguese Air Force is taking the potential of the C-390 Millennium aircraft, which stands out with its transport capabilities, one step further. With the official announcement made at the LAAD Defense and Security Fair held in Rio de Janeiro on April 1, 2025, the Portuguese Air Force's decision to participate in a joint development project with Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to adapt the C-390 to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions was finalized.
This significant collaboration was announced at a ceremony attended by the Commander of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto, and Embraer Defense and Security President Bosco da Costa Junior. During the ceremony, a concept image of the modular roll-on/roll-off ISR system under development was also shared. This innovative system is designed to provide the aircraft with advanced ISR capabilities while maintaining its current multi-role transport capabilities. This new ISR-focused variant has been officially named the C-390 IVR.
A striking detail in the published CGI design of the C-390 IVR variant was that the aircraft was equipped with anti-ship missiles. This indicates that the aircraft could potentially play a role not only in ISR but also in maritime strike missions in the future. The joint work of the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer aims to integrate critical ISR capabilities such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical and infrared sensors, advanced communication systems and two hard points for external payloads into the C-390. It is stated that the development process is being carried out in full compatibility with existing operational and logistics systems. Studies are ongoing, particularly focused on the potential adaptations of the C-390 transport aircraft for maritime patrol and ISR missions.
Brazilian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno stated that these important studies are progressing systematically and efficiently, while Embraer Defense and Security President Bosco da Costa Junior pointed out that this initiative is in full harmony with existing collaborations aimed at continuously expanding the operational capabilities of the aircraft.
The timing of this collaboration also coincides with the increasing demand for ISR platforms in the global market. According to Army Recognition, the ISR aircraft and UAV market is expected to reach $2023 billion in 13,37 and this figure is expected to rise to $2033 billion by 22,1. ISR systems provide effective monitoring of large geographic areas for a wide range of purposes, from security to environmental monitoring and resource tracking.
Brazil’s vast maritime geography and strategic interests on the high seas are one of the main reasons for the decision to adapt the C-390 transport aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. Similar needs are also increasing in regions such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It is also thought that countries such as South Korea and Sweden, which already operate the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, may consider the suitability of this new ISR variant for their own border and maritime surveillance needs. Portugal’s participation in this cooperation could significantly increase the C-390’s future potential and competitiveness in the international market.
