Chile May Tie Up With Brazil's KC-390

The Chilean government is talking with Brazil about getting involved in the Embraer KC-390 military jet transport program.

Chile's Air Force could buy six of the tactical airlifters, Embraer officials said in a statement.

The Chilean and Brazilian defense ministers signed a declaration of intent Aug. 24 in Santiago that could see Chile's Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica (ENAER) aerospace company participate in the program.

Orlando Jose Ferreira Neto, Embraer executive vice president, said his company already had an excellent relationship with ENAER and this latest move showed the high regard the Chile government had for the KC-390.

"It also shows our mutual interest in integrating the defense industrial bases of both countries." Neto said.

The Brazilian Air Force recently committed to buy 28 of the twin-jet aircraft whose first flight is scheduled for 2014.

Argentina has also indicated it may join the program. Dassault and Saab, two of the contenders in the Brazilian FX2 fighter competition, have indicated they could participate in the program if they are selected for the combat aircraft deal.