Sweden commits to acquisition of four C-390 millennium airlifters from Embraer

Sweden has officially committed to acquiring four C-390 Millennium multi-mission airlifters from the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, marking a significant step in enhancing its military capabilities. 

The announcement was made on April 1, 2025, during Brazil’s LAAD defense and security exhibition, in the presence of Peter Sandwall, state secretary to the Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, and Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The decision secures production slots for the Swedish Air Force, ensuring the delivery of the next-generation NATO-interoperable aircraft. This follows a letter of intent (LoI) signed by Sweden and Brazil on November 9, 2024, in which Sweden expressed interest in purchasing the C-390 while Brazil indicated plans to procure additional Saab Gripen E/F fighters.

Peter Sandwall expressed pride in the acquisition, stating, “The ability of the C-390 to perform its missions in challenging environments anytime, anywhere, will be a welcome upgrade for Sweden’s defence, ensuring effective operations for the decades to come.”

Embraer’s Da Costa emphasized the strategic impact of the purchase, noting, “Sweden’s commitment to acquiring four C-390 Millennium aircraft marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s operational capabilities. These next-generation aircraft will not only boost Sweden’s military transport efficiency but also leverage existing European synergies in interoperability, training, and life cycle support.”

The C-390 Millennium is designed to replace Sweden’s aging fleet of C-130H Hercules transport aircraft. The Swedish Air Force currently operates five C-130H Hercules (Tp84) and one KC-130H (Tp84T) tanker, with an urgent need to replace them. The C-390 offers significant improvements in payload capacity and speed, with a maximum load of 26 tonnes and a cruising speed of 870 km/h, compared to the C-130J-30’s 21.7-tonne payload and 657 km/h speed.

In addition to its impressive payload and speed, the C-390 has a range of 2,000 km with a 26-tonne payload. However, when configured with air-to-air refuelling equipment, designated as the KC-390, it can both dispense fuel and receive it from another KC-390, extending its operational range.

The C-390 has already proven its capabilities with the Brazilian Air Force since 2019 and is also in service with South Korea. Sweden’s acquisition marks the sixth European nation to select the C-390, joining Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

Embraer has reported that the current C-390 fleet worldwide has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93%, with mission completion rates exceeding 99%, underlining the reliability and performance of this next-generation military transport aircraft.

By Vugar Khalilov