Sweden has officially committed to acquiring four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer, securing production slots for the order. The announcement was made during LAAD Defence & Security 2025, attended by Peter Sandwall, Sweden’s State Secretary to the Minister for Defence, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This decision follows Sweden’s recent agreement to join the C-390 programme alongside the Netherlands and Austria.
The C-390 Millennium is recognised for its versatility, reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it a game-changer in military airlift operations. It has already been acquired by eight countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and an undisclosed customer. Sweden and Slovakia have also officially selected the aircraft to modernise their air forces.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 has demonstrated impressive performance, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates exceeding 99%.
The aircraft’s ability to carry a payload of up to 26 tonnes, fly at speeds of 470 knots and operate on unpaved runways makes it highly adaptable. It can perform various missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian operations. The KC-390 variant, equipped with air-to-air refuelling capabilities, has already demonstrated its effectiveness both as a tanker and a receiver.
Sweden’s acquisition of the C-390 reflects its commitment to enhancing military airlift capabilities while ensuring interoperability with allied nations.
