One of the most modern military transport aircraft of our age has arrived in Kecskemét

With the text Hungarian Air Force emblazoned on its side, the first Hungarian KC-390 landed at 10:01 on the runway of its new home, the airbase of the HDF 101st Aviation Wing in Kecskemét. The two Gripen fighter jets escorting the transport aircraft welcomed the new member of the fleet with a fly-past in the air, whereas the multi-mission aircraft that will open a new dimension for the Hungarian Defence Forces on the operational level was welcomed with water jets on the ground. The Millennium is suitable for air-to-air refueling (AAR), and in the interest of increasing its own range and flight time, it is also capable of being refueled in flight as a Receiver Aircraft. Its use results in a considerable increase of transport capacity, its Cargo Handling and Aerial Delivery System (CHADS) enables it to carry out precision airdrops of cargo with parachute and paratroopers for air assault operations, and the aircraft also provides medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) capability for the transport and treatment of sick and wounded patients.

The Brazilian soldiers disembarking from the KC-390 Millennium of imposing size (capable of carrying up to 80 fully-armed soldiers or two Gidrán 4x4 armored tactical vehicles) and power (thrust up to 132 kN) walked from the board of the aircraft down to the runway with the flag of their country and the Hungarian Tricolors in their hands, amidst applause of the guests.

“We are standing here on this big day, when the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft has arrived. We have long been waiting for this moment. Back in 2020, we concluded the contract, which was considered a pioneering decision at the time” – this is how Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky looked back on the beginnings. He added that the armed forces of several countries, including, for example those of Austria and the Netherlands, have already chosen the transport aircraft of Embraer since Hungary placed an order for two planes.

“Our transport aircraft that are part of the earlier military technology and equipment have become obsolete and overused. Although we decommissioned them, we did not receive any new ones to replace them, so the Hungarian Defence Forces and Hungary were left without any military transport aircraft for years, which is wrong. We had to end this state of affairs” – said the minister.

Besides the avionic devices that are capable of secure, encrypted navigation and communication, the KC-390 is equipped with a state-of-the-art self-protection system on the market, composed of a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), a Radar Warning System (RWS) and a Laser Warning System (LWS). In addition to the usual chaff and flare countermeasures and electronic jamming, it also comprises a Directional Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, which uses laser beams to overwhelm and confuse the seekers of approaching infrared homing air defence missiles.

“We are building our 21st-century, new, joint armed forces with high operational value here in Hungary” – stated Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

“Peace requires strength! Hungary is a country on the side of peace, we are committed to creating and preserving peace. We, the leaders of the Hungarian Defence Forces must do all we can to make sure that we have powerful, stable, reliable military equipment, an example of which is standing behind me right now” – said the minister of defence after saying thanks to the commissioned experts of the government of Hungary as well as the Ministry of Defence and the HDF General Staff for their excellent work, as a result of which we can now welcome this marvel aircraft on the Kecskemét tarmac.

In closing the event, Lieutenant Colonel Gergely Hankóczi, reformed field chaplain prayed for God’s blessing to the transport aircraft and its future passengers.

Also present at the reception of the new KC-390 Millennium were, among others, General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF General Staff; Brazil’s ambassador to Hungary Susan Kleebank; Dr. Zsolt Kutnyánszky, MoD State Secretary for Defence Policy, Force Development and Defence Industry; Dr. Gyula Tamás Szerebényi, the MP of Kecskemét region; and Colonel Gergely Gróf, Commander, HDF 101st Aviation Wing.