The Austrian Armed Forces have taken a decisive step towards modernizing their air transport capabilities. Following an intensive, multi-week training phase at the headquarters of aircraft manufacturer Embraer in São José dos Campos, Brazil, the first four pilots of the Air Force have received their official flight certification for the C-390 transport aircraft.
This success marks the personnel launch for the system changeover from the outdated C-130 Hercules fleet to one of the most modern military transport vehicles available today. The training, which included complex theoretical foundations, language courses, and state-of-the-art simulator training, prepares the personnel for the planned commissioning of the first aircraft in 2028. According to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, the qualification of the personnel is the necessary foundation for the new systems to achieve their full potential for national security. With the acquisition of a total of four aircraft of this type, Austria joins a growing group of European nations that are relying on the technological superiority and versatility of the Brazilian jet to meet the demands of modern operational scenarios.
Structure and process of pilot training in Brazil
Preparations for this technological leap began in Austria with specialized language training. Since the technical documentation and communication with the manufacturer in Brazil required specific language skills, the pilots first completed courses at the Austrian Armed Forces' language institute. This was followed by a three-week theoretical block covering the aerodynamic characteristics and complex avionics of the C-390. The practical part of the training took place in São José dos Campos, the heart of the Brazilian aviation industry. Here, the Austrian officers were able to practice emergency procedures and tactical flight maneuvers in state-of-the-art full-flight simulators before receiving instruction on the actual aircraft.
The pilots describe the transition as a massive technological leap. A comparison with the switch from a 1990s aircraft to a 2026 model illustrates the discrepancy between the previously used Hercules and the new Embraer. The C-390 features a fly-by-wire system and a fully integrated glass cockpit, which reduces the crew's workload and significantly increases precision during airdrop missions or landings on unpaved runways. Alongside the pilots, ground personnel, particularly the loadmasters, are also currently undergoing training. They are responsible for loading and securing the cargo and are currently completing similar theoretical and practical modules to ensure the operational readiness of the entire system.
The Embraer C-390 as the new backbone of the air transport squadron
With the decision to purchase the Embraer C-390 Millennium, the Austrian Armed Forces have opted for a twin-engine, multi-purpose transport aircraft that impresses with its speed and range. Unlike conventional propeller-driven aircraft, the jet engine offers a cruising speed of approximately 870 kilometers per hour, which significantly reduces reaction times during evacuation missions or deployments abroad. The aircraft's operational spectrum is broad: it ranges from transporting troops and armored vehicles to medical evacuations and aerial firefighting.
With this system, the Austrian Air Force gains a capability that extends far beyond mere cargo transport. Major General Gerfried Promberger, Commander of the Air Force, emphasizes that its commissioning represents a quantum leap in mission accomplishment. The four acquired aircraft will ensure the operational readiness of the Austrian Armed Forces for the next few decades. Delivery of the first aircraft is planned for May 2028, followed by the second in July of the same year. By then, not only must the personnel be fully trained, but the infrastructure at Vogler Air Base in Hörsching must also be adapted accordingly to enable the operation of the jet transport aircraft.
International cooperation and European user community
Austria is not alone in choosing the C-390. The decision for the Brazilian model reflects a trend among NATO partners and European states. Besides Brazil, the country of manufacture, Portugal and Hungary are already actively using the aircraft. The Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and most recently South Korea have also opted for procurement or are in advanced negotiations. This growing user base offers the Austrian Armed Forces significant advantages in the areas of maintenance, spare parts procurement, and joint training.
Interoperability with other European air forces allows for synergies that stabilize operating costs over the aircraft's life cycle. The C-390 has already proven itself in international exercises as a robust system that functions reliably even under extreme climatic conditions. For Austria, this means a dependable component for supporting UN missions or providing rapid disaster relief both domestically and abroad. Furthermore, the technological sovereignty that comes with operating such a modern aircraft strengthens the position of the Austrian Air Force in the international arena.
Outlook on operational integration until 2028
The successful completion of pilot training is merely the first step in a long-term integration process. Over the next two years, the focus will be on training technicians and establishing the logistics chain. Maintaining a modern jet requires specialized tools and in-depth knowledge of the aircraft's software architecture. The Austrian Armed Forces plan to perform a large portion of the maintenance themselves to ensure operational autonomy.
The modernization of the air force is a key component of the 2030+ development plan, with which Austrian defense policy is responding to the changing security situation in Europe. Replacing the over 50-year-old C-130 Hercules had become unavoidable due to rising maintenance costs and a lack of spare parts. With the C-390, Austria is investing in a system that, thanks to its modular expansion options, can also be adapted to future technological developments. The first four pilots now form the cadre that will pass on their knowledge to the next generation of pilots, while preparations for the arrival of the first aircraft in Upper Austria are in full swing.