Four Embraer C-390s For Sweden

SWEDEN acquired four Embraer C-390 Millennium airlifters in a deal which also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.

This important milestone for defence in Europe is part of a broader trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, aimed at fostering joint procurement, interoperability, and long-term cooperation around the C-390 platform. The seven options signed under this framework reflect growing European interest in this next generation aircraft and a shared commitment to modernising tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.

The ceremony took place at Uppsala Air Base, hosted by the Swedish Air Force Commander, Major General Jonas Wikman, and attended by Minister for Defence of Sweden Mr. Pal Jonson, along with defence representatives from other C-390 operators such as the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

With this acquisition, Sweden becomes another NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member to join the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, who collectively ordered nine C-390s in 2024.

By choosing the C-390 Millennium, Sweden will enhance its operational capabilities and interoperability while benefiting from European synergies in training and lifecycle support.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force. With the C-390 Millennium, I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.” said Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden.

“We are honored to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family,” said Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior. “This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as the new standard for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO nations. 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 how much of a strategic asset the C-390 represents in enhancing our operational capabilities. We are delighted to count Sweden among our partners — a country renowned for its expertise in air operations. Together, we will make the most of this next-generation aircraft to strengthen security across Europe,” said the Netherlands’ Minister for Arms procurement and Personnel Gijs Tuinman.

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

Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.

The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel.

The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings..–shp/adj/dl (Pix:EMBRAER)