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

The Kingdom of Sweden has procured four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer. The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, allowing for potential future acquisitions by other European countries.

This significant milestone for European defence forms part of a broader trilateral partnership among Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The initiative focuses on promoting joint procurement, interoperability, and sustained cooperation concerning the C-390 Millennium platform. The seven options signed under this framework demonstrate the increasing European interest in this next-generation aircraft and a collective commitment to modernising tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.

The ceremony was held at Uppsala Air Base, hosted by Major General Jonas Wikman, the Swedish Air Force Commander. Attendees included Mr Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden, as well as defence representatives from other C-390 operators, including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

With this acquisition, Sweden becomes another NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) member to join the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, which collectively ordered nine C-390s in 2024. By selecting the C-390 Millennium, Sweden will improve its operational capabilities and interoperability, while also taking advantage of European synergies in training and lifecycle support.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernisation 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 honoured to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. “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 Gijs Tuinman, Minister for Arms procurement and Personnel of the Netherlands.

“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,” said Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, National Armaments Director of the Austrian Armed Forces.

Since commencing operations 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 consistently demonstrated its capability, reliability, and performance. The fleet currently in service has achieved a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%.

The C-390 boasts a superior payload capacity of 26 tons compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and it achieves higher speeds of 470 knots and greater range. It is versatile in its mission capabilities, including cargo and troop transport and deployment, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. Additionally, it can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, such as those made of packed earth, soil, and gravel.

The aircraft equipped with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, designated as the KC-390, has successfully demonstrated its aerial refuelling proficiency both as a tanker and as a receiver. In the latter role, it has received fuel from another KC-390 utilising pods installed beneath the wings.