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Sweden has formally signed a contract with Brazil’s Embraer for the purchase of four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, marking its entry into a growing European coalition around the tactical airlifter.

The 8 billion Swedish krona ($850 million) deal was finalized during a ceremony at Uppsala Air Base on October 6, 2025, attended by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson, Air Force Commander Major General Jonas Wikman, and representatives from other C-390-operating nations.

The agreement makes Sweden the sixth European nation to adopt the C-390, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. The Swedish order is also part of a broader trilateral framework between Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands designed to promote joint procurement, interoperability, and maintenance cooperation across Europe.

The Netherlands and Austria placed their own orders in July 2024, five and four aircraft respectively, under the same European initiative. Sweden’s move follows a letter of intent signed in November 2024, confirming its intent to modernize its aging C-130H Hercules fleet with the newer C-390 platform.

Expanding European Interest

Beyond the initial six European customers, several other nations are considering joining the program. Lithuania announced plans in mid-2025 to acquire three C-390s, while Slovakia began formal negotiations late last year. Portugal, the launch European customer, initially ordered five aircraft in 2019 and added a sixth in 2025, along with 10 optional units for allied partners.

The Swedish contract also includes an option for seven additional aircraft, which could be exercised by Sweden or partner nations. According to analysts and observers, the inclusion of these options was viewed as a “positive surprise” for Embraer’s defense portfolio.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization and strengthening of the Swedish Air Force,” Defense Minister Jonson said during the signing ceremony. “With the C-390 Millennium, I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.”

Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior echoed that sentiment, saying, “We are honored to welcome Sweden to the C-390 Millennium family. This partnership reinforces the aircraft’s growing reputation as the new standard for tactical airlift in Europe and among NATO nations.”

Aircraft Capabilities

Embraer’s C-390 Millennium can transport up to 26 tons of payload at a maximum cruising speed of 870 km/h, outperforming the U.S.-made Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which carries up to 21.7 tons and flies at 657 km/h. However, the Hercules maintains a longer range of 4,425 km with a 20-ton load, compared to the C-390’s 2,000 km range with a full payload.

The aircraft’s versatility is a key factor in its adoption across Europe. In addition to cargo and troop transport, the C-390 can serve as a tanker when configured with air-to-air refueling systems (designated KC-390), as well as perform medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. Its ability to operate from temporary or unpaved runways enhances its deployment flexibility.

Embraer reports that current C-390 fleets in service with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary have demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.

Strategic and Industrial Cooperation

The deal reflects deepening defense-industrial links between Brazil and Sweden. Brazil is expanding its fleet of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets under a joint production line established between Saab and Embraer in 2023. The first locally assembled Gripen is expected to be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force early next year.

Costa noted that the C-390 partnership strengthens Brazil’s defense footprint in Europe. “We hope to have new announcements coming very soon,” he said, suggesting additional sales in the near future. Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio has previously mentioned Finland and Turkey as potential future customers.

US Market Ambitions

Embraer has also been working to break into the U.S. defense market. Although U.S. President Donald Trump has exempted aircraft imports from the 50% tariff imposed on Brazilian goods, they remain subject to a 10% duty. The company has lobbied for broader tariff relief and proposed building a $500 million assembly line in the United States should Washington choose to purchase the KC-390.

Costa confirmed Embraer’s interest in collaborating with a major U.S. defense contractor to facilitate this move. “We have every interest in assembling and building the KC-390 in the U.S.,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and that an announcement could come by the end of the year.

With Sweden’s addition, the C-390 Millennium has now secured operators in nine countries worldwide, including six in Europe. Deliveries of Sweden’s four aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027, replacing the country’s aging C-130Hs.

The purchase marks another step in Europe’s shift toward joint defense procurement and shared logistics platforms, positioning the C-390 Millennium as a serious competitor to the C-130J in the medium airlift market.

The latest deal also underscores a trend toward collaborative defense acquisition among European allies. The agreement boosts Embraer’s ambitions to challenge the U.S. market’s dominance in tactical airlift platforms.