Embraer Partners with AMMROC and GAL to Explore Defense Innovations in the Middle East
Embraer has established two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with UAE-centered companies AMMROC (Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center) and GAL (Global Aerospace Logistics). This collaboration is a major move towards enhancing Embraer’s defense presence in the Middle East.
These agreements are strategically aimed at exploring joint ventures in the Aerospace and Defense sectors, primarily focusing on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) as well as training services for the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft. Moreover, the MoUs lay the groundwork for extensive collaborative initiatives across the defense and related support domains.
In the upcoming months, Embraer, AMMROC, and GAL will engage in in-depth discussions to craft a comprehensive work plan for projects that utilize their unique expertise and capabilities. Key topics will include potential end-user requirements for the KC-390, future fleet support, and training initiatives, along with engineering services for aircraft modifications. Beyond MRO, these collaborative efforts may also encompass aftermarket support, logistics, training, and maintenance services, highlighting each party’s dedication to providing innovative solutions for regional defense clients.
Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC, stated, “This MoU signifies a pivotal advancement in enhancing AMMROC’s capabilities through collaboration with a leading aircraft manufacturer. Our combined vision focuses on delivering extensive maintenance and in-service support solutions to ensure operational excellence and mission readiness for our partners both locally and regionally.”
Abdelrahman AlHammadi, Acting CEO of GAL, emphasized the importance of this agreement by saying, “This collaboration with Embraer and AMMROC is a critical step in fortifying our sovereign defense and aerospace capabilities. Our partnership with AMMROC lays a solid groundwork, and together with Embraer, we will deliver exceptional readiness and lifecycle support for the KC-390 Millennium and beyond, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a regional leader in advanced aerospace services.”
“These agreements underscore Embraer’s long-term dedication to the UAE and the broader Middle East,” remarked Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “By partnering with AMMROC and GAL, we aim to enhance local capabilities and provide world-class support for the KC-390 Millennium.”
Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, and its integration into the Portuguese and Hungarian Air Forces in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the KC-390 Millennium has showcased its exceptional capability, reliability, and performance. The operational fleet has exhibited a mission capability rate of 93% and completion rates exceeding 99%.
The C-390 boasts a superior payload capacity of 26 tons compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, achieving speeds of 470 knots and distances that allow it to execute a diverse array of missions, including cargo and troop transportation, medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, firefighting efforts, and humanitarian aid missions. Notably, this aircraft can effectively operate from temporary or unpaved runways, including packed earth, soil, and gravel. Configured for air-to-air refueling, the KC-390 has proven its capabilities both as a refueling tanker and receiver, having successfully engaged in fuel transfer operations with another KC-390 equipped with wing-mounted pods.
