A new agreement between Embraer and Anduril could soon transform the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft into a multi-mission strike platform, following a memorandum of understanding signed at the Farnborough Airshow.
Under the deal, the two companies will pursue the integration of Anduril's pallet-launched Barracuda-500M stand-off cruise missile into the C-390. The capability would allow the cargo aircraft to deploy multiple missiles simultaneously while preserving its core airlift and support functions, effectively turning the workhorse transport into what industry observers describe as a force multiplier.
The Barracuda-500M is a palletized variant of Anduril's modular Barracuda-500 missile, which has a range exceeding 500 nautical miles (575 miles or 926 kilometers) and operates at speeds between 190 and 500 knots (352 to 926 kilometers per hour). The munition completed its first successful flight test in September 2024, demonstrating the system's readiness for integration into operational platforms.
Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco Da Costa Junior emphasized the adaptability of the C-390 platform, stating that the integration process could be completed quickly given Anduril's "very efficient, very flexible" development methods. "By exploring the integration of stand-off launch capabilities for palletized, kinetic, and non-kinetic effects, we are further expanding the aircraft's flexibility to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces," Da Costa said.
The C-390 Millennium is already a versatile platform, capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload—more than comparable medium-sized military transport aircraft. It flies at a maximum speed of 470 knots (870 kilometers or 540 miles per hour) and can operate from both paved and unpaved runways. The aircraft can also be converted into the KC-390 tanker-transport variant through the rapid installation of air-to-air refueling equipment.
The agreement comes as the C-390 continues to gain international traction. The aircraft is currently in service with or on order by several air forces, including those of Czechia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. The addition of offensive strike capabilities is expected to further enhance the platform's appeal to potential buyers seeking a multi-role solution that combines strategic airlift with precision strike.
The partnership between Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer and American defense technology company Anduril reflects a broader trend of collaboration between traditional defense manufacturers and emerging tech firms. As modern warfare increasingly demands flexible, rapidly deployable systems, the integration of palletized munitions into transport aircraft offers a cost-effective alternative to dedicated strike platforms.
While the work timeline has not been disclosed, the memorandum signals a significant step forward in the evolution of the C-390 from a purely logistical asset to a combat-capable platform. For air forces operating the C-390, the new capability could provide additional operational flexibility without requiring major modifications to existing fleets.
