Embraer to upgrade Royal Dutch Air Force planes into "flying hospitals"

Brazilian aviation manufacturer Embraer will supply an advanced aeromedical evacuation system to the Royal Netherlands Air Force for integration with its C-390 Millennium fleet that will allow for intensive care and full life support to patients during transport.

The deal was formalized by Dutch Materiel and IT Command chief Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman and Embraer CEO Bosco da Costa Junior, as reported by The Defense Post, and includes one confirmed order and seven additional purchase options.

The aeromedical system comprises a roll-on/roll-off medical module: a self-contained, air-transportable unit designed to deliver intensive care and full life support to patients during transport. An integrated isolation zone will also allow for the safe handling of individuals with contagious diseases, minimizing exposure risks to onboard crew and medical staff.

Fully interoperable with the C-390’s cargo management system, the module operates much like standard wheeled cargo—easily loaded and unloaded—yet equipped with the capabilities required for high-level medical intervention.

“This system will expand the operational capabilities of our C-390 Millennium fleet, transforming them into a modular airborne medical facility capable of delivering life-saving care both in the air and on the ground. With these new capabilities, we will be able to provide vital assistance when it is needed most,” said Hartman.

Embraer’s da Costa underscored the development as a milestone in the platform’s evolution.

“We are proud to support the Netherlands in strengthening their aeromedical response capabilities with this innovative and mission-ready solution,” he added.

The C-390 is a multi-role military transport aircraft with a maximum payload of 26 metric tons and a cruising speed of 470 knots (870 kilometers per hour). Designed for versatility, the aircraft can operate from both paved and semi-prepared runways, including packed dirt and gravel surfaces.

In recent developments, Lithuania has chosen the C-390 for its next-generation military transport needs, while Portugal has announced plans to acquire a sixth KC-390 variant from Embraer.

By Nazrin Sadigova