Sweden orders four Embraer C-390 Millennium as part of joint European procurement; contract includes seven additional options paving the way for future acquisitions

The Kingdom of Sweden acquired today four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer. The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.

This major step forward for European defense is part of an expanded trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands. This partnership aims to encourage joint acquisition, strengthen interoperability, and promote long-term cooperation around the C-390 Millennium platform. The seven options signed in this context demonstrate Europe’s growing interest in this next-generation transport aircraft and a shared commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.

The signing ceremony took place at Uppsala Air Base, chaired by Major General Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force. Also present were Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Mr. Pål Jonson, and representatives from the defense forces of other C-390 operators, including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. With this acquisition, Sweden joins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and builds on the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, which have jointly ordered nine C-390 aircraft in 2024.

By opting for the C-390 Millennium, Sweden is strengthening its operational capabilities and interoperability, while leveraging European synergies in training, maintenance, and support throughout the aircraft’s lifecycle. The Swedish Air Force currently operates six Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules.

“This acquisition marks a major step in the modernization and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force. With the C-390 Millennium, I am confident that we will increase our operational effectiveness while improving interoperability with our European partners,” said Pål Jonson, Swedish Minister of Defense.

“We are honored to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as a new benchmark for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO countries. With the C-390 Millennium, Embraer has brought together the best of aerospace technology to provide Sweden with an aircraft capable of performing the most demanding missions, anytime, anywhere.

“Since 2024, we have understood the strategic importance of the C-390 in strengthening our operational capabilities. We are delighted to welcome Sweden, a country renowned for its expertise in air operations, among our partners. Together, we will fully exploit this new-generation aircraft to strengthen security in Europe,” said Gijs Tuinman, Dutch Minister of Armaments Procurement and Personnel.

“We are delighted to welcome Sweden to our European partnership. Together, we will set new standards of effectiveness and interoperability for our most demanding missions in the decades to come,” said Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, National Director of Armaments of the Austrian Armed Forces.

Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and more recently the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated its operational capabilities, reliability, and high performance. The current fleet boasts an operational availability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%.

The C-390 is capable of carrying a payload of 26 tons, more than other military transport aircraft in its class. It also boasts a high cruising speed (470 knots) and greater range, allowing it to perform a wide range of missions. These include the transport and airdrop of cargo or troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. These missions can be conducted from temporary or unpaved runways, such as dirt or gravel surfaces.

In its tanker version, designated the KC-390, the aircraft is equipped with underwing refueling pods. It has already demonstrated its capability to provide refueling, both as a tanker and as a receiver, including during operations between two KC-390s.