Sweden Has Chosen The Brazilian-Built C-390 As Its Future Military Transport Aircraft
NATO member Sweden has selected Embraer’s C-390 multi-role aircraft to replace its C-130H and modernize tactical transport fleet, which has been in service for over 50 years. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Brazilian Defence Minister José Múcio signed a letter of intent on 9 November, officially launching the procurement process.
The acquisition of the C-390 further strengthened the existing bilateral relations between Sweden and Brazil, which developed following the sale of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role combat aircraft to the Latin American country.
“Aerospace cooperation is important to both Sweden and Brazil. The new letter of intent provides a basis for us to further deepen this cooperation,” said Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson.
The C-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, multi-role military transport aircraft designed and built by Brazilian aviation manufacturer Embraer with high mobility, flexibility, and low life-cycle costs in mind. Its key features include a large cargo capacity (up to 26 metric tonnes), high speed (Mach 0.8), and the ability to operate on semi-prepared runways and austere environments. In addition, the aircraft’s versatile design and large 169m³ cargo compartment allow it to accommodate a variety of payloads, including vehicles, troops, intensive care units, and auxiliary fuel tanks, enabling it to perform a wide range of missions from tactical operations to humanitarian assistance.
Sweden’s selection of the C-390 aligns with a growing trend among European NATO member states recognizing the aircraft’s effectiveness in meeting current and future defense needs. Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal also chose the C-390 to modernize and enhance their operational capabilities. In addition to the six European countries, South Korea and its homeland, Brazil, purchased it.
“Embraer is honored with this selection by Sweden. After several European NATO countries selected the C-390, this decision is a testimony that this multi-mission aircraft represents a tremendous operational capability upgrade compared to previous generation tactical transport aircraft,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer se & Security. “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.”
With the C-390s, Sweden will not only strengthen national defense but also increase interoperability with allied forces while taking advantage of existing synergies in Europe in terms of training facilities, support, and logistics.