Sweden has signed a major defense agreement with Brazil’s Embraer to acquire four C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft, under a joint European procurement framework shared with the Netherlands and Austria. The deal strengthens NATO’s collective airlift capacity and marks Sweden’s full transition from its aging C-130H (TP 84) fleet to a new generation of jet-powered airlifters.
A Leap Toward Modern Air Mobility
Announced on October 6, 2025, at Uppsala Air Base, the agreement also includes seven optional aircraft. Embraer emphasized the C-390’s 26-ton payload, 470-knot top speed, and over 90% mission readiness rate, making it ideal for rapid transport of troops, vehicles, and humanitarian cargo across Europe. The aircraft can also serve as an aerial tanker (KC-390 variant) with underwing refueling pods.
Performance and Capabilities
Powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each rated at around 31,000 pounds of thrust, the C-390 delivers jet-class performance with lower fuel consumption and simplified maintenance. Its large, unobstructed cargo bay accommodates NATO-standard 463L pallets and supports both low- and high-altitude airdrops. Capable of operating from semi-prepared runways, the Millennium has demonstrated a mission completion rate above 99% in service with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary.
Strengthening NATO’s Northern Airlift Network
For Sweden, the acquisition represents more than a fleet renewal — it’s a strategic integration into NATO’s logistics architecture following its accession to the Alliance in March 2024. Shared training and maintenance ecosystems with the Netherlands and Austria are shaping a European air mobility hub, improving interoperability from the High North to the Black Sea.
With higher speed, greater payload, and enhanced refueling capability, the C-390 provides Sweden with faster crisis response and stronger logistical reach — a vital advantage in Arctic and Baltic reinforcement operations.
