Sweden Purchases New Transport Aircraft

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.