On Monday, October 6th, 2025, the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) announced the signing of a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV – Försvarets materielverk) of the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden for the sale of four C-390 Millennium medium jet transport aircraft, with an option for seven more, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.
Photos and images: Embraer
On April 11th, 2023, Saab Defence and Security signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Embraer to deepen cooperation between the companies in several areas, primarily related to business development and engineering capabilities associated with the C-390 Millennium program.
Subsequently, on November 9th, 2024, the Ministers of Defence of Brazil and Sweden, José Múcio Monteiro Filho and Pål Jonson, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to open negotiations on expanding Brazil’s order for Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen multirole fighters and purchasing C-390 aircraft for Sweden.
The Swedish government had been seeking a replacement for its fleet of five C-130H Hercules medium transport aircraft and one KC-130H Hercules aerial tanker, after deciding not to proceed with the purchase of used Italian C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
This important milestone for European defense is now part of a broader trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aimed at promoting joint procurement, interoperability, and long-term cooperation centered around the C-390 Millennium platform. The seven aircraft under option reflect Europe’s growing interest in this new-generation aircraft and a shared commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.
The ceremony took place at the Uppsala Air Base, hosted by Major General Olof Jonas Wikman, Commander of the Swedish Air Force (Svenska flygvapnet). The event was attended by Minister of Defence Pål Jonson, as well as representatives from the defense ministries of other C-390 operator nations, including the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
With this acquisition, Sweden becomes the latest NATO member to join the strategic partnership already established by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Austria, which together ordered a total of nine aircraft on July 22nd, 2024, five and four, respectively.
By choosing the C-390 Millennium, Sweden will enhance its operational capabilities and interoperability, while also benefiting from European synergies in training and lifecycle support.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization 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 honored 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.”
“Since 2024, we have understood how much of a strategic asset the C-390 represents in enhancing our operational capabilities. We are delighted to count Sweden among our partners — a country renowned for its expertise in air operations. Together, we will make the most of this next-generation aircraft to strengthen security across Europe,” said Gijs Tuinman Minister for Arms procurement and Personnel of the Netherlands.
“We are delighted to welcome Sweden into our European partnership. Together, we will set new standards of efficiency and interoperability for our most demanding missions in the decades to come,” said Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek, National Armaments Director of the Austrian Armed Forces.
In addition to the countries mentioned above, orders have also been placed by Brazil (19 aircraft contracted instead of the originally planned 27), Portugal (6 aircraft with an option for 10 more), Hungary (2 aircraft), the Republic of Korea (3 aircraft), the Czech Republic (2 aircraft), and an undisclosed customer (2 aircraft, possibly Morocco).
Furthermore, Slovakia and Lithuania are expected to order three aircraft each, although the contracts have not yet been signed. The C-390 is currently being marketed in Saudi Arabia, across the broader Asian market, and within India’s MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) program. The aircraft are also being offered to Poland under the Drop program (currently suspended).
The current operational fleet has demonstrated a mission readiness rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%. It is also worth noting that on February 3rd of this year, Embraer celebrated the 10th anniversary of the prototype’s maiden flight.
The C-390 can carry a heavier payload than other medium-sized military transport aircraft and can fly faster and farther, performing a wide range of missions — including cargo and troop transport and airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial refueling (both as a tanker and receiver), as well as firefighting and humanitarian missions. It is capable of operating from temporary or unpaved runways, such as compacted earth, dirt, or gravel strips.
The aircraft measures 33.5 meters in length, has a wingspan of 33.9 meters, and a height of 11.4 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 87 tons, with a payload capacity of 26 tons. The cargo bay measures 18.5 × 3.0 × 3.4 meters, and its range with a 23-ton payload is 2,815 kilometers. Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each producing 139.4 kN of thrust, the C-390 cruises at 870 km/h and reaches a service ceiling of 11,000 meters.
NEWS | Sweden orders four Embraer C-390 Millennium as part of joint European procurement; contract includes seven additional options paving the way for future acquisitions. Read full news: https://t.co/vjisOrkgcv pic.twitter.com/IyRmHNVc0r
— Embraer (@embraer) October 6, 2025
