Sweden selects Embraer C-390 Millennium as its new military transport aircraft

In a joint announcement, Sweden’s Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Brazil’s Defence Minister José Múcio revealed a mutual commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Natal, Brazil. This agreement, which reinforces the existing defence partnership, outlines Sweden’s intent to purchase the C-390 transport aircraft and Brazil’s plans to increase its contract for Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen fighters by 25%. “The cooperation in aviation is important for both Sweden and Brazil. The new LOI allows us to deepen this partnership further,” said Jonson.

Brazil initially contracted 36 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden in 2014, with eight jets delivered to date. The collaboration has since evolved, with Saab and Embraer establishing a joint production line for the Gripen aircraft in Brazil. The expansion plan reflects Brazil’s growing reliance on the Gripen, as well as both nations’ commitment to advancing their aviation sectors through shared production capabilities and technology.

The Swedish government, following the LOI, is prepared to assign the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces to initiate negotiations for the C-390 purchase. Embraer, which has seen growing demand for the C-390 across Europe, expressed its pride in Sweden’s decision. “Embraer is honoured with this selection by Sweden,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. “This decision is a testimony that this multi-mission aircraft represents a tremendous operational capability upgrade.”

Sweden’s acquisition aligns it with other European NATO members that have chosen the C-390, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The C-390, which has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and accumulated over 15,000 flight hours since its introduction with the Brazilian Air Force, offers Sweden a reliable, versatile solution for tactical transport.

This bilateral agreement underscores a deepening Sweden-Brazil partnership on both defence and industrial fronts. During his visit, Jonson attended Brazil’s Cruzex 2024 military exercise, observing the Gripen jets in action as part of Brazil’s Air Force. The cooperative focus on aviation is expected to foster further advancements in training, logistics, and support capabilities for both nations, ultimately reinforcing Sweden’s interoperability with NATO allies while advancing Brazil’s defence capabilities.