MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is interested in acquiring Brazil's KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, potentially expanding the country's growing defense equipment cooperation with the South American nation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced the Philippine military's interest on Saturday during his state visit to Manila for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.
Aside from the export of 28 VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carriers and 12 A-29B Super Tucano attack aircraft, Lula said the AFP was also interested in acquiring the KC-390 Millennium, manufactured by Brazilian aerospace company Embraer.
The potential acquisition would make the KC-390 the third type of Brazilian military equipment sought by the Philippines, following the Super Tucano aircraft and Guarani armored personnel carriers.
The KC-390 is a multimission military transport aircraft designed to carry troops and cargo, conduct medical evacuation and humanitarian assistance operations, and perform aerial refueling missions.
Its acquisition could strengthen the AFP's airlift capabilities, particularly in transporting personnel, equipment and supplies to military units deployed across the country's archipelago.
However, the announcement indicated Philippine interest in the aircraft and did not mean that a purchase agreement had been finalized.
