Sweden has officially ordered four C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, becoming yet another NATO member to adopt the model.
According to a statement from Embraer, the contract was signed on October 6 at Uppsala Air Base. The agreement also includes options that could pave the way for future acquisitions by other European countries.
With this purchase, Sweden joins the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, which jointly ordered nine C-390 aircraft in 2024.
Replacing the C-130H fleet
In November of last year, the portal Militarnyi reported that the Swedish Ministry of Defense had selected the C-390 Millennium as the new transport aircraft for the Armed Forces. At the time, a letter of intent was signed with Embraer, outlining the gradual replacement of the veteran C-130H Hercules aircraft in service with the Swedish Air Force.
By adopting the C-390, Sweden aims to enhance its operational capabilities and integrate into the European technical support and training ecosystem already built around the platform.
Performance and versatility
The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine, medium-range, multi-mission military transport jet designed to perform a variety of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling.
The aircraft can carry up to 23 tons of payload, reach speeds of up to 870 km/h, and has a range of approximately 2,500 kilometers with a full load.
In addition to Sweden, the model has already been ordered by Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, cementing the C-390’s position as one of the leading next-generation military transport aircraft in Europe.
Strategic partnership between Sweden and Brazil
Cooperation between Sweden and Brazil in the defense sector is not new. In 2014, the Brazilian government signed a contract with the Swedish manufacturer Saab for the purchase of 36 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The first production aircraft were delivered in November 2021.
With the new acquisition of the C-390 Millennium, the two countries further strengthen a partnership that combines technology, interoperability, and joint development in the defense sector.
Source and images: Embraer, Militarnyi, Wikimedia | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
