The Kingdom of Sweden has placed an order for four Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft as part of a collaborative European procurement program alongside the Netherlands and Austria. The agreement also includes seven additional purchase options paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.
This milestone strengthens European defence cooperation through a shared focus on interoperability, training and lifecycle support around the C-390 platform. The trilateral framework established in 2024 continues to expand with Sweden joining a growing number of NATO members investing in the next generation of tactical airlift capability.
The signing ceremony was held at Uppsala Air Base and hosted by Major General Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force. Attendees included Pål Jonson, Sweden’s Minister for Defence and representatives from other C-390 operators including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force,” said Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden. “With the C-390 Millennium I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.”
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, welcomed Sweden to what he called the “C-390 Millennium family,” adding:
“This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as the new standard for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO nations. With the C-390 Millennium Embraer has combined cutting-edge aerospace technology to deliver an aircraft capable of performing the most demanding missions — anytime, anywhere.”
Gijs Tuinman, Minister for Arms Procurement and Personnel of the Netherlands, highlighted the shared European benefit:
“Since 2024 we have seen the C-390 become a strategic asset in enhancing operational capabilities. We are delighted to count Sweden among our partners — a country renowned for its airpower expertise.”
Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, National Armaments Director of the Austrian Armed Forces, echoed the sentiment:
“Together we will set new standards of efficiency and interoperability for our most demanding missions in the decades to come.”
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, followed by the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has proven its exceptional performance and reliability, maintaining a 93% mission capability rate and a 99% mission completion rate.
The aircraft can carry up to 26 tons of payload, fly at 470 knots and operate from unpaved or austere airstrips such as compacted soil or gravel. Its multi-mission versatility enables operations ranging from troop and cargo transport to medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian relief.
The KC-390 variant, equipped for aerial refueling, has demonstrated both tanker and receiver roles — even refueling another KC-390 in flight.
With Sweden’s acquisition, the C-390 Millennium further consolidates its status as Europe’s preferred next-generation airlifter, strengthening NATO’s collective air mobility network and operational flexibility.
