The Kingdom of Sweden has acquired four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer.
The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.
This milestone for defence in Europe is part of a broader trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, aimed at fostering joint procurement, interoperability, and long-term cooperation around the C-390 Millennium platform.
The seven options signed under this framework reflect growing European interest in this next generation aircraft and a shared commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.
The ceremony took place at Uppsala Air Base, hosted by the Swedish Air Force Commander, Major General Jonas Wikman, and attended by Mr. Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden, along with defence representatives from other C-390 operators such as the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
With this acquisition, Sweden becomes another NATO member to join the strategic partnership already established by the Netherlands and Austria, who collectively ordered nine C-390s in 2024.
By choosing the C-390 Millennium, Sweden will enhance its operational capabilities and interoperability while benefiting from European synergies in training and lifecycle support.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernisation and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force. With the C-390 Millennium, I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.” said Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden.
“We are honoured 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. With the C-390 Millennium, Embraer has brought together the best of aerospace technology to provide Sweden with an aircraft capable of performing the most demanding missions — anytime, anywhere.”
The medium sized C-390 can carry a payload of 26 tons and can fly at 470 knots. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel.
