Embraer and BAE Systems announced at the Farnborough Airshow the signature of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which expand the footprint of both companies in the global defense market, by setting out the basis for a collaborative relationship.
The first MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership between BAE Systems and Embraer to collaborate in Middle Eastern markets for C-390, with an initial focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The second MoU confirms an intent to create a joint venture to develop a defense variant of Eve’s electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.
The C-390 Millennium and its air-to-air refueling configuration, the KC-390, are the new generation of multi-role military transport aircraft already delivering unrivaled mobility and cargo capacity, rapid re-configurability, high availability, improved comfort, and flight safety, as well as reduced operational costs through its life cycle—all in a single platform.
“The MoU for the C-390 Millennium draws on the collective strengths of two leading aerospace players, BAE Systems and Embraer. The aircraft brings a new concept to market, offering a versatile and multi-mission platform with very low operating costs and fast turnaround, which is an unbeatable combination,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer for BAE Systems Air sector said: “This collaboration recognizes the capability of the C-390 Millennium aircraft combined with BAE Systems’ extensive knowledge and understanding of international markets including experience in standing up military capability and delivering industrialization through the support, maintenance, and training solutions for complex aircraft.”
For the eVTOL collaboration, the companies intend to create a joint venture that will bring together the complementary skills of Embraer and BAE Systems to pursue the potential development of a defense variant, with Eve being the platform provider.
“Teams from BAE Systems and Embraer will continue working together to explore how the aircraft, designed for the urban mobility market, can provide cost-effective, sustainable, and adaptable capability as a defense variant,” explained Schneider.
“Our customers’ operating environment is increasingly complex and eVTOL is just one example of how we’re looking at emerging technologies, including those from the commercial market. We are exploring how we can adapt these solutions to bring vital operational capability to our customers quickly and at a lower cost - whilst also supporting environmental and sustainability goals” Ian Muldowney continued.
In December 2021, BAE Systems and Embraer revealed plans to work together on the development of the Eve eVTOL aircraft as a potential defense variant. This latest announcement demonstrates how the collaboration is expanding to harness the collective expertise of the two leading aerospace and defense organizations.
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales.
Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.
Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.
BAE Systems provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of 90,500 people in more than 40 countries.
From cyber threat detection to flight control systems that enable pilots to make better decisions, BAE Systems never stops innovating to ensure that its customers maintain their advantage. This is a long-term commitment involving significant investments in skills. BAE Systems also works closely with local partners to support economic development through the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.
