The trials focused on operations in extreme winter conditions, including take-offs and landings in icy environments. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft maintained full mission readiness throughout the testing period.
Temperatures during the trials were reported to be around minus 25 degrees Celsius. The evaluation was intended to demonstrate the aircraft’s capability to operate reliably in harsh climatic conditions.
As part of its world demo tour, the KC-390 Millennium visited the Vidsel Test Range, Sweden, where it flawlessly performed short takeoff and landing, showing readiness for disperse operations under extreme cold weather conditions with 100% mission accomplishment. pic.twitter.com/ji6QFncekx
— Embraer (@embraer) March 30, 2026
Cold weather performance is considered a key operational requirement for Sweden. The country signed a contract in October 2025 for four C-390 Millennium aircraft, with options for additional units.
The new aircraft are expected to replace the Swedish Air Force’s existing Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules fleet. The ability to conduct operations in low-temperature environments is seen as essential for maintaining operational effectiveness.
Embraer has previously conducted similar cold weather testing in North America as part of the aircraft’s certification process. These efforts are aimed at ensuring consistent performance across a range of demanding operational scenarios.
To date, Embraer has delivered 14 production C-390 Millennium aircraft to Brazil, Portugal and Hungary. The company plans to deliver approximately five additional aircraft during the current year.
The manufacturer is also continuing marketing efforts to secure new orders in multiple regions. Potential markets include Europe, South America, Africa and Asia.
Within Europe, countries such as Denmark and Finland have been identified as potential future operators. Both nations share operational requirements similar to Sweden, particularly in relation to cold climate capabilities.
Embraer said the European demonstration campaign is intended to showcase the aircraft’s performance to prospective customers. The trials in Sweden form part of this broader effort to expand the aircraft’s presence in international markets.
