Sweden Orders Four Embraer C-390 Millennium Airlifters

• Sweden has officially signed a contract with Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer for the purchase of four C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft.
• The order marks a significant step in modernizing the Swedish Air Force’s tactical airlift capabilities, as the C-390s will replace the nation’s aging fleet of C-130H Hercules.
• Sweden is the latest of several European nations, including the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Portugal, to select the Brazilian-made transport jet.

Sweden has finalized a deal with Brazil’s Embraer to acquire four C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, officially selecting the modern jet-powered airlifter to replace its long-serving fleet of C-130H Hercules. The contract, announced on Monday, makes Sweden the sixth European nation to commit to the C-390, solidifying the aircraft’s growing footprint as a next-generation tactical transport for NATO and allied countries.

The contract was signed in Stockholm between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Embraer, with support from the European Defence Agency. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with full operational capability expected by 2030.

Under the agreement, Sweden becomes the seventh European operator of the C-390 Millennium, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Finland. The aircraft will operate as part of the Multinational Multirole Transport Fleet (MMF) — a shared European initiative aimed at improving airlift coordination, maintenance, and training among participating countries.

“By joining the European airlift program, Sweden is strengthening its contribution to collective security and ensuring that our forces can operate seamlessly with allies,” said Defence Minister Pål Jonson during the signing ceremony.

Modern Capability for NATO-Integrated Operations

The Embraer C-390 Millennium will replace Sweden’s aging Lockheed C-130H Hercules aircraft, which have served since the 1980s. The C-390 offers a 26-ton payload capacity, compatibility with NATO standard refueling and cargo systems, and the ability to perform airdrop, medevac, and humanitarian operations.

According to Embraer, the C-390’s operational availability exceeds 80%, with lower lifecycle costs than comparable Western aircraft. The platform’s digital avionics and fly-by-wire controls make it a suitable choice for both military and disaster response missions.

Embraer CEO Bosco da Costa Junior called the deal “a major milestone in expanding the C-390’s footprint in Europe,” emphasizing the growing trust in Brazilian aerospace technology.

As part of the contract, Swedish aerospace companies will participate in the C-390 supply chain, including Saab AB, which will collaborate with Embraer on avionics integration, mission systems, and future upgrades. This industrial participation aligns with Sweden’s strategy to secure technological returns and local employment in major defence acquisitions.

Embraer C-390 Millennium: Multi-Mission Tactical Airlifter
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized, multi-role military transport and aerial refueling aircraft developed by Embraer Defense & Security of Brazil. Designed for versatility, reliability, and low operating costs, the C-390 combines high-speed jet performance with the flexibility required for a wide range of tactical missions.

Compared to traditional turboprop transports, the C-390 offers higher cruise speed, longer range, and reduced maintenance requirements, making it one of the most modern airlifters in its class. The aircraft conducted its maiden flight in 2015 and entered service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019. It has since been ordered by several NATO member states, including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.