C-390 Millennium. Photo: Embraer
Sweden has officially confirmed the acquisition of four C-390 Millennium aircraft from Embraer. The announcement was made during LAAD Defence & Security 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, with the presence of Peter Sandwall, Secretary of State at the Swedish Ministry of Defence, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The purchase marks Sweden’s formal entry into the C-390 program, alongside the Netherlands and Austria, with whom a memorandum of understanding had already been signed.
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“We are proud to take a significant step toward acquiring this next-generation aircraft, compatible with NATO standards. The C-390’s ability to operate in challenging environments, anytime and anywhere, will be a welcome advancement for Swedish defense, ensuring effective operations for decades to come,” said Peter Sandwall.
“Sweden’s commitment to acquiring the C-390 represents a strategic advance in enhancing the operational capabilities of its air force. In addition to increasing military transport efficiency, these aircraft reinforce European synergies in interoperability, training, and lifecycle support,” stated Bosco da Costa Junior.
C-390 Millennium. Photo: Embraer
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese in 2023, and more recently the Hungarian in 2024, the C-390 has demonstrated superior reliability and performance, with a mission capability rate of 93% and a completion rate above 99%.
The aircraft can carry up to 26 tons of cargo, flies at 470 knots (approx. 870 km/h), and has long range. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as:
- Transport and airdrop of cargo and troops
- Medical evacuation
- Search and rescue
- Firefighting
- Humanitarian missions
- Operations on unpaved runways, such as compacted dirt and gravel
In its aerial refueling configuration, designated KC-390, the aircraft has also proven its capability both as a tanker and a receiver, including receiving fuel from another KC-390 via underwing pods.
With Sweden, the C-390 Millennium now becomes part of the fleet of eight countries: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and one undisclosed customer. Sweden and Slovakia have already officially selected it to modernize their air forces.
Source: Embraer / DSCA / LAAD 2025. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
