The deal forms part of a trilateral framework between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening joint procurement, interoperability, and long-term collaboration around the C-390 platform. The signing reflects growing European interest in the aircraft and a shared commitment to modernising airlift fleets across the continent.
A ceremony to mark the contract took place at Uppsala Air Base, hosted by the Swedish Air Force Commander, Major General Jonas Wikman, and attended by Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson, along with defence representatives from current C-390 operators including the Netherlands, Brazil, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
With this acquisition, Sweden joins Austria and the Netherlands as NATO members operating the C-390, following their collective order of nine aircraft in 2024. By selecting the Millennium platform, Sweden aims to enhance its operational efficiency and integration within European defence structures.
“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.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, followed by Portugal in 2023 and Hungary in 2024, the C-390 Millennium has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93 per cent and completion rates above 99 per cent.
The C-390 can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload, fly at 470 knots, and operate from temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth or gravel. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, firefighting, search and rescue, and humanitarian operations. Configured as the KC-390, the aircraft can also perform aerial refuelling both as a tanker and as a receiver.
