Sweden confirms purchase of four C-390 Millennium aircraft from Embraer
Sweden purchases four C-390 Millennium and joins Embraer’s tactical airlifter program alongside the Netherlands and Austria.
Sweden has confirmed its commitment to acquire four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer, securing the necessary production slots. The announcement was made at LAAD Defence & Security 2025, with Peter Sandwall, Secretary of State at the Swedish Ministry of Defence, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, in attendance. The decision follows Sweden's recent signing of an agreement to formally join the C-390 program alongside the Netherlands and Austria.
“We are proud to take a significant step toward acquiring this next-generation aircraft, which is NATO interoperable. The C-390’s ability to operate in challenging environments, anytime and anywhere, will be a crucial upgrade for Sweden’s defense, ensuring effective operations for decades to come,” said Peter Sandwall.
Bosco da Costa Junior added: “Sweden’s commitment to acquiring four C-390 Millennium aircraft is a major advancement in enhancing its air force's operational capabilities. These next-generation aircraft will not only optimize Sweden’s military transport but also leverage European synergies in interoperability, training, and logistics support. Embraer is dedicated to meeting Sweden’s needs by delivering world-class military transport aircraft to support the Swedish Air Force’s most demanding missions.”
By making the purchase jointly with the Netherlands and Austria, the overall cost is expected to be lower and delivery timelines shorter.
The Netherlands will act as the contracting agent on behalf of the other nations, following the agreement signed on March 28, 2025, between the three countries through the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration.
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C-390 Millennium: A “game changer” in military airlift
The C-390 Millennium has been described by its operators as a true “game changer”, redefining versatility, reliability, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. To date, it has been acquired by eight countries: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and one undisclosed customer. Additionally, it has been officially selected by Sweden and Slovakia to modernize their air 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 has proven its performance and dependability. The fleet boasts a 93% availability rate and a mission completion rate over 99%.
The C-390 stands out among medium military transport aircraft with its 26-ton payload capacity, top speed of 470 knots, and extended range. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can also operate on temporary or unpaved runways, including compacted earth, dirt, and gravel.
In its KC-390 configuration, equipped with aerial refueling systems, the aircraft has demonstrated its ability to function as both tanker and receiver, including refueling between two KC-390s via underwing pods.
Millennium for Gripen?
The C-390 will replace the aging TP 84 Hercules (Sweden’s designation for the C-130), which has served the armed forces for over 50 years. Due to their age, the aircraft have become increasingly costly and difficult to maintain in safe flying condition.
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It remains to be seen whether negotiations between Brasília and Stockholm could lead to a new order of F-39 Gripen fighters for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Brazil initially purchased 36 units of the Swedish-made fighter but is aiming to expand its fleet, estimating it needs at least 70 modern combat aircraft to meet its defense commitments effectively.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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