In a major acquisition aimed at bolstering airlift capacity, Sweden has ordered four Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft. The agreement integrates Stockholm into a growing European partnership alongside Austria and the Netherlands, who jointly placed nine C-390 orders in 2024.
The trilateral cooperation focuses on shared procurement strategies, maintenance, and operational training to enhance NATO interoperability. Sweden’s contract includes access to Embraer’s training network and lifecycle support, along with seven additional purchase options for potential European customers.
Operational in Brazil since 2019 and more recently in Portugal and Hungary, the C-390 continues to demonstrate high reliability, achieving a 93 percent mission capability rate. The aircraft is recognized for its speed, payload capacity, and mission flexibility — capable of carrying 26 tons, reaching 470 knots, and operating in challenging environments.
Beyond its core transport role, the aircraft can perform firefighting, humanitarian relief, medevac, and airdrop missions. The KC-390 version adds refueling capabilities, underscoring its multi-role utility within both military and civil operations.
