In a groundbreaking move, the Brazilian Minister of Defense, Jose Mucio, has unveiled a strategic partnership between Embraer SA and Portuguese aerospace company OGMA. The collaboration aims to produce cutting-edge aircraft that adhere to the stringent specifications of NATO, a significant milestone in the aviation industry.

Embraer, a prominent player in the global aviation market, holds a controlling stake of 65 percent in OGMA. The company boasts an extensive portfolio of aircraft, including the renowned “Super Tucano” light attack aircraft. To cater to the European market and meet NATO’s rigorous demands, Embraer has recently launched the A-29 Super Tucano with a NATO configuration.

Minister Mucio highlighted the importance of NATO certification, as previous aircraft produced in Brazil did not consistently meet all of NATO’s requirements. Securing NATO’s approval for these aircraft opens up new opportunities for Embraer in the European and other international markets, propelling the company’s growth and influence in the industry.

What makes Portugal’s participation particularly crucial is that OGMA’s production facilities are already in compliance with NATO’s exacting standards. This, in turn, will facilitate the smooth integration of Embraer’s NATO-compliant aircraft into the European market.

As part of a state visit, the Brazilian delegation, led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is currently visiting OGMA’s headquarters situated near Lisbon. This visit serves to strengthen the ties between the two nations and fosters greater cooperation in the aerospace sector.

Embraer’s ambitions are not limited to the “Super Tucano” series alone. The company also stands as the manufacturer of the KC-390 military cargo aircraft, designed for versatile military operations. The partnership with OGMA and the successful production of NATO-compliant aircraft further enhance Embraer’s prospects for expanding its international sales and establishing itself as a key player in the global defense market.

Portugal has already expressed its commitment to acquiring five KC-390 military transport aircraft and a flight simulator from Embraer back in 2019. This move showcases the nation’s confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities and further strengthens the partnership between Portugal and Brazil.

Moreover, several other countries, including Sweden, Colombia, and Austria, have expressed their keen interest in procuring KC-390s. This signals the aircraft’s growing reputation as a highly sought-after military transport solution, potentially opening up new avenues for Brazil’s defense exports.