Lithuania has selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its next-generation military transport aircraft, a major step in strengthening its airlift capabilities and reinforcing NATO interoperability.
By Jarryd Sinovich
Announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed plans to acquire three C-390 aircraft following a rigorous evaluation of available platforms. The selection positions Lithuania to join a growing group of European allies—including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden—who are modernising their fleets with the C-390.
“The C-390 Millennium is the most suitable platform to meet Lithuania’s operational needs,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskaliovienė. “We look forward to concluding negotiations with Embraer in the months ahead.”
Beyond the acquisition, the agreement includes industrial cooperation initiatives, such as local MRO capabilities, parts co-production, and strategic partnerships with Lithuanian research institutions—boosting both defence readiness and economic growth.
The C-390’s unmatched versatility enables it to perform multiple mission profiles including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, firefighting, air-to-air refuelling, and operations on unpaved runways. With a payload capacity of 26 tons and cruise speeds of 470 knots, the aircraft delivers robust performance in even the most demanding environments.
Having already proven its capability with the Brazilian, Portuguese, and Hungarian air forces, the C-390 offers Lithuania a combat-proven, interoperable solution as it deepens integration with NATO forces and expands rapid-response capability across Europe.
