Morocco Nears $600 Million Military Aircraft Deal with Brazil’s Embraer

The KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft would boost Morocco’s defense capacity as negotiations enter the final stage.

Rabat, Morocco — August 18, 2025

Morocco is close to finalizing a defense deal worth about $600 million with Brazil’s aerospace company Embraer, centered on the purchase of KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, according to reports from Moroccan and Brazilian sources.

Background

The KC-390 Millennium is a next-generation transport aircraft capable of carrying troops, cargo, and performing air-to-air refueling missions. It is seen as a modern alternative to the U.S.-made C-130 Hercules, offering greater payload, faster speed, and reduced maintenance costs.

Morocco has been modernizing its armed forces over the past decade, strengthening partnerships with both Western and non-Western suppliers. The prospective Embraer deal reflects Rabat’s strategy of diversifying military procurement sources to reduce dependency on any single supplier.

What’s Next

The deal is expected to be signed in the coming months, with initial aircraft deliveries possibly starting by late 2026. Defense analysts note that the agreement could further solidify Brazil’s position as an emerging player in the global defense market, while enhancing Morocco’s ability to respond to regional security challenges in North Africa and the Sahel.