The Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) has taken delivery of its first KC-390 Millenium transport aircraft from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer.
The plane was escorted by two Gripen fighter jets and received a traditional water cannon salute as it landed in the central city of Kecskemét late last week.
Brazilian military personnel disembarked from the aircraft while holding the flags of Brazil and Hungary, signaling the completed delivery of Budapest’s inaugural KC-390.
According to the Hungarian defense ministry, the arrival of the popular transport aircraft will “open a new dimension” for the Hungarian military operationally.
It will ensure the country has “powerful, stable, and reliable military equipment” amid increased regional threats, said Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
“We have long been waiting for this moment… We are building our 21st-century, new joint armed forces with high operational value here in Hungary,” he noted.
‘Imposing’ Features
The KC-390 Millenium aircraft is capable of carrying up to 80 fully-equipped soldiers or two Gidrán 4×4 armored tactical vehicles.
It features advanced self-protection systems, including an infrared countermeasure that uses laser beams to confuse the seekers of incoming enemy missiles.
It also has sophisticated avionics that enable secure, encrypted navigation and communication.
Apart from cargo and personnel transport, the Millenium can be reconfigured for air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, and precision airdrop missions.
Hungary has one more KC-390 under order, scheduled for delivery later this year.
Once delivered, the aircraft will provide Budapest with increased interoperability with fellow European nations Austria and the Netherlands, which also operate the Brazilian plane.