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Sweden Purchases New Transport Aircraft
Sweden is replacing its Hercules aircraft – investing eight billion in new military transport aircraft together with the Netherlands and Austria.
Sweden has entered into an agreement to purchase four military transport aircraft of the C-390 Millennium model from Brazilian Embraer. The aircraft will replace the Swedish Hercules planes that have served for over 60 years. The first plane is expected to be delivered in 2027.
The contract was signed during a ceremony at the Uppsala Air Wing. Present were representatives from the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Embraer, as well as political representatives from Sweden and the Netherlands.
The procurement is being conducted together with the Netherlands and Austria. According to FMV, the European cooperation has helped to reduce both costs and lead times. The deal includes four aircraft valued at approximately eight billion kronor. Additionally, there is an option for seven more units.
– This is a decision that gives Swedish taxpayers more defence for their money – and a stronger Sweden, writes Defence Minister Pål Jonson on X.
The Air Force's current transport aircraft, the C-130 Hercules, have been in use since the 1960s. The C-390 Millennium is described by the Swedish Armed Forces as a replacement with the capacity to perform a wide range of tasks.
– This is an important day, a milestone and a springboard into the future. We are in a phase of change within the Air Force where we are adapting to new challenges, says Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman.
The aircraft type is already in service in countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary. The C-390 can transport up to 80 passengers or 26 tonnes of cargo and is designed to operate even from simpler runways.
Through the procurement, Sweden becomes part of a growing group of user countries that collaborate on joint training and lifecycle support. According to Embraer's CEO Bosco da Costa Junior, it is a sign of the platform's growing role in Europe.
– We are honoured to welcome Sweden to the C-390 family. This partnership shows how the platform is establishing itself as a new standard for tactical transport aviation in Europe, says he.
FAQ
- Vad innebär Sveriges köp av C-390 Millennium transportflygplan?
- Sveriges köp av C-390 Millennium innebär att fyra nya transportflygplan ersätter de äldre Hercules-planen. Dessa flygplan har kapacitet att transportera 80 passagerare eller 26 ton last. Affären inkluderar även en option på sju ytterligare enheter. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-10-13.
- Hur påverkar det europeiska samarbetet upphandlingen av transportflygplan?
- Det europeiska samarbetet har bidragit till att pressa kostnader och ledtider i upphandlingen av transportflygplan. Sverige samarbetar med Nederländerna och Österrike i denna affär. Detta partnerskap stärker Sveriges försvarsförmåga och ekonomiska effektivitet. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-10-13.
- När förväntas det första C-390 Millennium flygplanet levereras till Sverige?
- Det första C-390 Millennium flygplanet förväntas levereras till Sverige 2027. Detta markerar en viktig milstolpe för Flygvapnet i deras anpassning till nya utmaningar. Flygplanen kommer att ersätta de äldre C-130 Hercules-planen. Senast faktagranskad: 2025-10-13.