Sweden Commits To Ordering Four C-390 Cargo Aircraft
Sweden’s defense ministry and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced April 1, that Stockholm had committed to a purchase of four Embraer C-390 Millenium tactical cargo aircraft.
The announcement was made during State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Defence Peter Sandwall’s visit to the LAAD Defence and Security trade fair in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Neither the Swedish government nor Embraer disclosed the cost of the project, with Stockholm only saying that it would cost “billions” of Swedish krona.
“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” said Peter Sandwall, State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defence.
Sweden is procuring the C-390s as a replacement for the Swedish Air Force’s C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft, and has entered a partnership agreement with the Netherlands and Austria for the joint procurement. According to defense minister Pål Jonson, joint procurement allows the Swedish Air Force to “take delivery more quickly and at a lower cost than procuring the aircraft on our own”.
While Embraer says the confirmation has secured production slots for the Swedish C-390s, Stockholm says final negotiations by the Netherlands with Embraer on the aircraft’s delivery date are ongoing, adding that the Swedish C-390s will be given priority in the production process.
“Sweden’s commitment to acquiring four C-390 Millennium aircraft marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s operational capabilities. These next-generation aircraft will not only boost Sweden’s military transport efficiency but also leverage existing European synergies in interoperability, training, and life cycle support. Embraer remains dedicated to fulfilling Sweden’s requirements by delivering top-tier military transport aircraft, ensuring the Swedish Air Force can execute its most demanding missions with excellence.”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.