Breaking News: Brazil’s Embraer Expands European Footprint with Swedish Acquisition of C-390 Military Transport Aircraft
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On April 1, 2025, during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition in Brazil, Sweden officially committed to acquiring four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. The announcement was made in the presence of Peter Sandwall, State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defence, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This commitment secures the necessary production slots for Sweden and follows the recent agreement that sees Sweden joining the Netherlands and Austria in the C-390 program.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On April 1, 2025, Sweden officially committed to acquiring four of these multi-mission aircraft, joining the Netherlands and Austria in the growing European C-390 user community, as announced during LAAD Defence & Security 2025 in Brazil. (Picture source: Alexandro Dias published on Wikimedia )
State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defense, Peter Sandwall emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “We are proud to take a significant step towards the acquisition of this next-generation NATO interoperable aircraft. The ability of the C-390 to perform its missions in challenging environments anytime, anywhere, will be a welcome upgrade for Sweden’s defense, ensuring effective operations for the decades to come.” Bosco da Costa Junior reinforced the significance of the Swedish decision, noting that the C-390 Millennium will enhance the Swedish Air Force’s operational capabilities, while also creating synergies with other European operators in training, interoperability, and life cycle support.
Sweden joins a growing list of European nations investing in the C-390. In July 2024, the Netherlands and Austria signed a joint contract to acquire nine C-390 Millennium aircraft—five for the Dutch Air Force and four for Austria—during the Farnborough Airshow. This collaboration was designed to bolster rapid deployment capabilities and streamline logistics through shared training and support infrastructures. In October 2024, the Czech Republic also signed a contract for two C-390 Millennium aircraft to modernize its fleet with a NATO-standard airlift platform. Additionally, an undisclosed European customer finalized a deal with Embraer in December 2024 for two C-390 aircraft, including a comprehensive support and training package.
The C-390 Millennium has become one of the most prominent military transport aircraft in its class, thanks to its superior payload, speed, and versatility. Developed by Embraer, the C-390 was first flown in 2015 and entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. It is the largest and most complex aircraft developed by Embraer to date and is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofan engines. The aircraft has already proven itself operationally with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, demonstrating high levels of availability and mission success rates.
The aircraft can carry a payload of up to 26 tons, significantly more than other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and reach cruising speeds of 470 knots (870 km/h). It is capable of executing a variety of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), aerial refueling (under the KC-390 designation), search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. Its design allows for operations from austere or semi-prepared runways, including dirt, gravel, and packed earth airstrips.
Configured with aerial refueling systems, the KC-390 version has proven capable both as a tanker and as a receiver, using underwing pods. Its multirole capabilities make it particularly appealing to NATO and allied air forces seeking interoperability and cost-efficiency. The C-390 has been acquired or officially selected by eight countries to date: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed nation. In addition, Sweden and Slovakia have formally selected the aircraft for future acquisition, further strengthening its position in the global military airlift market.
The growing demand for the Embraer C-390 Millennium in Europe highlights a significant shift in procurement preferences among NATO and EU member states. Historically, European air forces have relied on platforms such as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Airbus A400M Atlas. While the C-130 remains a versatile and widely deployed tactical workhorse, and the A400M offers long-range strategic lift capabilities, the C-390 provides a compelling middle ground. With a competitive payload capacity, faster cruising speed, multi-mission adaptability, and lower operating costs, the C-390 is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective and NATO-compliant alternative. Its selection by multiple European countries underscores Embraer’s expanding presence in the defense aviation market and Brazil’s growing role as a key aerospace partner in Europe.
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On April 1, 2025, during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition in Brazil, Sweden officially committed to acquiring four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. The announcement was made in the presence of Peter Sandwall, State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defence, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This commitment secures the necessary production slots for Sweden and follows the recent agreement that sees Sweden joining the Netherlands and Austria in the C-390 program.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
On April 1, 2025, Sweden officially committed to acquiring four of these multi-mission aircraft, joining the Netherlands and Austria in the growing European C-390 user community, as announced during LAAD Defence & Security 2025 in Brazil. (Picture source: Alexandro Dias published on Wikimedia )
State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defense, Peter Sandwall emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, “We are proud to take a significant step towards the acquisition of this next-generation NATO interoperable aircraft. The ability of the C-390 to perform its missions in challenging environments anytime, anywhere, will be a welcome upgrade for Sweden’s defense, ensuring effective operations for the decades to come.” Bosco da Costa Junior reinforced the significance of the Swedish decision, noting that the C-390 Millennium will enhance the Swedish Air Force’s operational capabilities, while also creating synergies with other European operators in training, interoperability, and life cycle support.
Sweden joins a growing list of European nations investing in the C-390. In July 2024, the Netherlands and Austria signed a joint contract to acquire nine C-390 Millennium aircraft—five for the Dutch Air Force and four for Austria—during the Farnborough Airshow. This collaboration was designed to bolster rapid deployment capabilities and streamline logistics through shared training and support infrastructures. In October 2024, the Czech Republic also signed a contract for two C-390 Millennium aircraft to modernize its fleet with a NATO-standard airlift platform. Additionally, an undisclosed European customer finalized a deal with Embraer in December 2024 for two C-390 aircraft, including a comprehensive support and training package.
The C-390 Millennium has become one of the most prominent military transport aircraft in its class, thanks to its superior payload, speed, and versatility. Developed by Embraer, the C-390 was first flown in 2015 and entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. It is the largest and most complex aircraft developed by Embraer to date and is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofan engines. The aircraft has already proven itself operationally with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, demonstrating high levels of availability and mission success rates.
The aircraft can carry a payload of up to 26 tons, significantly more than other medium-sized military transport aircraft, and reach cruising speeds of 470 knots (870 km/h). It is capable of executing a variety of missions, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), aerial refueling (under the KC-390 designation), search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. Its design allows for operations from austere or semi-prepared runways, including dirt, gravel, and packed earth airstrips.
Configured with aerial refueling systems, the KC-390 version has proven capable both as a tanker and as a receiver, using underwing pods. Its multirole capabilities make it particularly appealing to NATO and allied air forces seeking interoperability and cost-efficiency. The C-390 has been acquired or officially selected by eight countries to date: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed nation. In addition, Sweden and Slovakia have formally selected the aircraft for future acquisition, further strengthening its position in the global military airlift market.
The growing demand for the Embraer C-390 Millennium in Europe highlights a significant shift in procurement preferences among NATO and EU member states. Historically, European air forces have relied on platforms such as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Airbus A400M Atlas. While the C-130 remains a versatile and widely deployed tactical workhorse, and the A400M offers long-range strategic lift capabilities, the C-390 provides a compelling middle ground. With a competitive payload capacity, faster cruising speed, multi-mission adaptability, and lower operating costs, the C-390 is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective and NATO-compliant alternative. Its selection by multiple European countries underscores Embraer’s expanding presence in the defense aviation market and Brazil’s growing role as a key aerospace partner in Europe.
