Defence Minister: Hungary set to test its first Embraer C-390 aircraft

After its first flight on Feb 8, the C-390 manufactured in Brazil for Hungary is now in the final phase of its testing schedule, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky told MTI on Thursday, adding that the aircraft will be brought to Kecskemet for ground and air testing.

The final testing stage involves the installation and assessment of NATO communications devices, after which the aircraft will return to Brazil for the finishing works, the minister said.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted that the aircraft was not yet flying under Hungarian registration, with its official inauguration set for the autumn.

The Hungarian Armed Forces has ordered two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft this year to replace its An-26s.

With a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, the new C-390 will be suitable for air refueling and transporting beds for patients in need of intensive care and those injured.