The Kingdom of Sweden has signed a contract with Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3) for the acquisition of four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, marking a major step in strengthening its tactical airlift capability. The agreement also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.
SOURCE AND IMAGES: EMBRAER
The deal forms part of a collaborative European procurement programme involving Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, aimed at deepening joint defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and ensuring long-term collaboration across the continent. The signing of seven purchase options under this framework highlights the growing European interest in the C-390 Millennium platform as the next-generation solution for air mobility.
The contract signing ceremony took place at Uppsala Air Base, hosted by Major General Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force, and attended by Sweden’s Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson, alongside representatives from other C-390 operators, including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
With this acquisition, Sweden becomes the latest NATO member to join the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, who collectively ordered nine aircraft in 2024. The move reinforces Europe’s collective approach to modernising airlift fleets and enhancing cooperation among allied nations.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernisation and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force,” said Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden. “With the C-390 Millennium, I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, added: “We are honoured to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family. 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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gijs Tuinman, Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel of the Netherlands, said, “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.”
Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, National Armaments Director of the Austrian Armed Forces, 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 service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, followed by the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated exceptional reliability and operational performance, achieving a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.
Capable of carrying a payload of 26 tons, the C-390 surpasses other medium-sized military transport aircraft in speed (470 knots) and range. It can perform a broad spectrum of missions — from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation, firefighting, humanitarian aid, and search and rescue — and is designed to operate on temporary or unpaved runways, including packed earth, soil, and gravel.
In its KC-390 configuration, equipped for air-to-air refuelling, the aircraft has already demonstrated full tanker and receiver capabilities, including refuelling operations between two KC-390s using wing-mounted pods.
