Sweden Orders Four Embraer C-390 Millennium as Part of Joint European Procurement

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Kingdom of Sweden has officially signed an agreement to acquire four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer, marking a significant step in strengthening Europe’s tactical airlift capabilities.

The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, underscoring the growing confidence among European nations in Embraer’s next-generation transport platform and paving the way for future joint procurements.

This acquisition forms part of a broader trilateral defense partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, designed to enhance interoperability, logistical integration, and long-term cooperation across the European defense ecosystem.

The signing ceremony, held at Uppsala Air Base, was hosted by Swedish Air Force Commander Major General Jonas Wikman and attended by Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, alongside senior representatives from other C-390 operators including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

With this deal, Sweden joins the expanding community of NATO members operating the C-390 Millennium, following earlier procurements by the Netherlands and Austria, who collectively ordered nine units in 2024.

By selecting the C-390 Millennium, Sweden aims to significantly enhance its air mobility, operational flexibility, and mission readiness while aligning its airlift operations with broader European training and maintenance frameworks.

“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 Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as the new standard for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO nations.”

“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,” said Gijs Tuinman, Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel of the Netherlands.

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, boasting a mission capability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%.

The C-390 is capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload — more than other medium-sized military transport aircraft — while flying faster at 470 knots and farther on extended missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations.

The KC-390 variant, equipped for aerial refueling, has proven its ability to perform as both a tanker and receiver, having successfully completed refueling operations using wing-mounted pods during multinational exercises.

Through this acquisition, Sweden reinforces its commitment to collaborative European defense initiatives and positions itself at the forefront of modern tactical airlift capability, joining a growing alliance of nations united under the C-390 Millennium program. — DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA