Sweden has officially selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its new tactical transport aircraft, marking the first purchase of this model in Northern Europe.
The move representing a new chapter in Brazil-Sweden relations, was confirmed by the manufacturer on November 10, 2024. The C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft will modernize the Swedish Air Force fleet, according to Embraer. This upgrade will also boost Sweden’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) integration and create opportunities for collaboration with European nations in support and training.
Sweden’s choice of the C-390 Millennium as its new tactical transport aircraft has been praised by Embraer. Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized that Sweden’s decision, following the lead of several European NATO countries, demonstrates the aircraft’s advanced capabilities. The CEO noted that the C-390 offers a significant upgrade in operational performance compared to older generation aircraft, solidifying its place as a key player in modern military transport.
“The aircraft is being recognized, gradually, by the most advanced Air Forces in the world such as the Swedish Air Force. This selection encourages us to offer our customers the aircraft they need to perform their most demanding missions with unparalleled versatility, reliability, and performance,” Bosco Da Costa Junior concluded.
The decision to add the C-390 Millennium aligns with a broader trend among some European NATO member countries, which are identifying the aircraft’s ability to meet both current and future defense requirements. Sweden becomes the sixth European country to choose the C-390, joining Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
The C-390, which is currently the heaviest aircraft Embraer has built to date, has also gained international traction, with orders from Brazil and South Korea. Having entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the model has already reached over 15,000 flight hours.