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Hungary marked a milestone in its military modernization on November 21, 2025, when Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer delivered the country’s second C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft at Kecskemet Air Base. This makes Hungary the first operator worldwide to receive its complete order of the C-390 Millennium.

Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky joined Embraer executives for the handover ceremony, celebrating what he called a transformative moment for Hungarian defense capabilities.

“This is a truly uplifting and joyful moment, an incredibly important event in the development of the Hungarian Air Force. And I can say with certainty that the Hungarian people have become richer and stronger as a result,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky said. “This type of transport capability was lacking in the Hungarian Air Force’s arsenal, but now it is available. Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to this process.”

Proven performance

The first Hungarian C-390 has been in action since late 2024, racking up an impressive 99% mission completion rate across diverse operations. That track record likely reinforced Hungary’s confidence in the platform as it took delivery of the second aircraft ahead of other international customers.

“This is a significant milestone for Embraer as we deliver the second C-390 Millennium to the Hungarian Air Force. This aircraft will further enhance Hungary’s capabilities by providing superior operational performance, greater flexibility, and reduced life-cycle costs,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. 

“As partners, we look forward to expanding our cooperation to support the Hungarian Air Force in all its current and future operational needs,” da Costa said.

Versatile capabilities

According to Embraer, C-390s will handle everything from routine cargo runs to life-saving missions. The aircraft’s task list includes medical evacuations, humanitarian relief, search and rescue, troop transport, precision airdrops, paratrooper operations, and even air-to-air refueling.

Hungary’s C-390 aircraft will feature a world-first: a modular roll-on/roll-off intensive care unit that can transform the cargo bay into a flying hospital when needed. It’s the kind of flexibility that makes the C-390 attractive to air forces looking to do more with less.

With both aircraft now in service, Hungary has filled a long-standing gap in its airlift capabilities while positioning itself as an early adopter of what Embraer hopes will become the West’s answer to aging transport fleets across NATO and beyond.