Chile has become the first country other than Brazil to formally launch negotiations over acquiring and helping to build the Embraer KC-390 tanker/transport.
A declaration of intent signed by the Brazilian and Chilean defence ministers on 24 August launches negotiations over industrial participation and a future order of six aircraft, Embraer says.
The announcement in Santiago comes a month after the Brazilian air force signed a letter of intent to buy at least 28 KC-390s, with deliveries starting in 2016.
Although falling short of a formal order, Embraer credited Chile’s agreement as an "unmistakable show of support" in the jet-powered airlifter.
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Discussions will now begin between Embraer and Chile’s state-owned Enaer aerospace company over industrial participation. Enaer is already a structural supplier for the Embraer ERJ-145, which is nearing the end of production.
Embraer is continuing to evaluate potential partners and suppliers for the KC-390 programme. For example, the company still has not identified an engine supplier. Images of design concepts have shown both a CFM International CFM56 and International Aero Engines V2500.
In the past, Brazilian government officials have identified Chile, Colombia, Portugal and South Africa as prospective partners on the KC-390.
As the launch customer, the Brazilian air force plans to buy KC-390s to replace its Lockheed Martin C-130s.
Chile previously signalled its intent to acquire three Airbus Military A400Ms by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005, but subsequently withdrew from the programme.
Source: Flight International
