Comparison of Japan’s C2 and Brazilian C390 Military aircraft

The Embraer C-390 Millennium and Kawasaki C-2 are among the most advanced tactical airlifters today, bridging the gap between medium- and heavy-lift aircraft.

Both outperform legacy platforms like the C-130 Hercules, but with different priorities: Brazil’s C-390 emphasizes versatility, cost-efficiency, and multi-mission roles, while Japan’s C-2 focuses on long-range, heavy-payload strategic lift.

This comparison highlights their capabilities, missions, and export potential in the evolving air mobility market.

The KC-390 and C-2 are both crewed by three members, designed for tactical and strategic airlift roles.

In terms of size, the C-2 is significantly larger at 43.9 m length and 44.4 m wingspan, compared to the KC-390’s 35.2 m length and 35.05 m wingspan.

When it comes to maximum takeoff weight, the C-2 leads with 141,400 kg, overshadowing the KC-390’s 86,999 kg.

For power, the KC-390 uses two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines producing 139.4 kN thrust each, while the larger C-2 is powered by two GE CF6-80C2K1F engines producing 265.7 kN each, nearly doubling the thrust.

Speed is one area where the KC-390 takes the edge, achieving 988 km/h, compared to the C-2’s 920 km/h.

In ferry range, however, the C-2 again outperforms with 9,800 km, while the KC-390 covers 8,500 km.

As of 2025, the Kawasaki C-2 costs around $136–173 million per unit and is used by Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, with plans for up to 20 aircraft and possible exports.

The Embraer C-390 Millennium is cheaper, costing $50–102 million per unit, with Embraer ramping up production to over 10 aircraft per year by 2030.

Japan C-2 is a medium-sized, twin-turboprop, long-range, high-speed military transport aircraft designed and produced by Kawasaki Aerospace Company. The C-2 officially started working for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in June 2016.

Meanwhile, Embraer Aircraft, a Brazilian-based company with experience in the production of both private jets and commercial aircraft, is the manufacturer of the KC 390. A medium-sized twin-engine military transport aircraft, the KC 390. As of right now, it is the heaviest aircraft Embraer has ever produced.

Japan’s Kawasaki C-2 is being upgraded for electronic warfare. In 2025, Japan planned four C-2 Stand-Off Jammers to replace old EC-1 aircraft. The project, split into two phases (2020-2026 and 2023-2032), focuses on jamming enemy systems while keeping costs low by using C-2 parts. It builds on studies of foreign aircraft like the C-17.

In 2025, the Embraer C-390 is gaining popularity. Poland is considering the KC-390 for transport and refueling. Lithuania ordered three C-390s in June to work with NATO. Embraer plans to deliver five aircraft this year and double production by 2030.

The U.S. Navy’s C-2 Greyhound remains active in 2025, supporting carriers with deliveries despite its age. Upgrades like new wings and propellers extend its life to 2027. With the CMV-22B Osprey facing issues, the C-2 is busier, supporting missions like evacuations and logistics for USS Carl Vinson and USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Portugal added a sixth KC-390, while Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands also placed orders. Morocco is close to buying four or five KC-390s to replace old C-130s, with deliveries starting in 2027. Lithuania signed deals for maintenance and support, noting the aircraft’s high reliability.

According to reports, Kawasaki has been eager to sell the C-2 outside of the domestic market. The C-2 has few competitors on the global market because it is one of just a few production-level aircraft that can perform its duty in the strategic airlift role, together with the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Ilyushin Il-76.

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