In a significant move for European defense, the Kingdom of Sweden has ordered four Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft. This acquisition is a key part of a trilateral partnership with Austria and the Netherlands, a collaborative effort focused on joint procurement, enhanced interoperability, and long-term cooperation centered on the C-390 platform. The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, signaling a pathway for future acquisitions by other European nations and reflecting a strong, shared commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.
The official ceremony at Uppsala Air Base was attended by Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and military representatives from several existing operator nations, including the Netherlands, Brazil, and Hungary. With this decision, Sweden becomes the latest NATO member to join the strategic C-390 partnership, following a collective order for nine aircraft by the Netherlands and Austria in 2024. Swedish officials emphasized that the C-390 will be a major milestone in modernizing the Swedish Air Force, boosting operational capabilities and efficiency.
Embraer’s leadership noted that Sweden’s choice reinforces the C-390’s reputation as the new standard for tactical air transport in Europe. The aircraft has proven its high reliability and performance with current operators, demonstrating exceptional mission capability and completion rates. With a payload of 26 tons and a high cruise speed, the C-390 Millennium is a highly versatile asset, capable of missions ranging from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation, search and rescue, and firefighting. It can operate from austere, unpaved runways and is also certified for air-to-air refueling in its KC-390 configuration, further extending its operational reach and flexibility for demanding missions.
