The Kingdom of Sweden has signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, marking a significant milestone in European defense cooperation and airlift modernization.
The agreement also includes seven additional purchase options, creating a framework for future acquisitions by other European nations and reinforcing the continent’s collaborative approach to next-generation air mobility.
Strengthening European Defense Cooperation
This acquisition is part of a broader trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, designed to enhance interoperability, joint training, and lifecycle support among participating nations.
The signing ceremony took place at Uppsala Air Base, attended by Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, Major General Jonas Wikman (Swedish Air Force Commander), and representatives from other C-390 operators including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force,” said Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Minister for Defence. “With the C-390 Millennium, we will increase operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.”
Embraer’s Expanding Presence in Europe
By joining the C-390 Millennium program, Sweden becomes the latest NATO member to adopt Embraer’s tactical transport aircraft — following orders by the Netherlands and Austria in 2024.
“We are honored to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as the new standard for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO nations.”
European defense officials also praised the move. Gijs Tuinman, the Netherlands’ Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel, called it “a step that strengthens Europe’s collective security.” Lt. Gen. Harald Vodosek, National Armaments Director of Austria, added that the collaboration “sets new benchmarks in efficiency and interoperability.”
Proven Reliability and Multi-Mission Capability
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated exceptional reliability — achieving a 93% mission capability rate and 99% mission completion rate.
Capable of carrying up to 26 tons of payload, the C-390 flies at speeds of 470 knots and performs a variety of missions, including:
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Cargo and troop transport
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Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
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Search and rescue (SAR)
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Aerial firefighting
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Humanitarian operations
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Air-to-air refueling (KC-390 configuration)
Its ability to operate on unprepared or semi-prepared runways — including soil, gravel, and packed earth — makes it an ideal platform for diverse military and humanitarian missions.
A Milestone for Sweden and European Defense
Sweden’s decision to procure the Embraer C-390 Millennium underscores its commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities and enhancing European defense interoperability.
The deal positions Sweden as a key partner in the growing European C-390 network — a strategic step that aligns with NATO standards and supports long-term defense collaboration across the continent.
