Lithuania has made the significant decision to adopt Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as its next military transport aircraft. The expected finalization of this contract in the coming months represents a strategic step by Vilnius to bolster its military capabilities and enhance interoperability with NATO forces.
The C-390 Millennium has garnered interest from several allied and EU countries, including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Austria, along with the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Slovakia. By selecting this aircraft, Lithuania is anticipated to benefit from established support and training networks across Europe related to the C-390 program.
Vice Minister of National Defence of Lithuania, Loreta Maskaliovienė, stated, “We have carefully studied the various types of military transport aircraft available on the market, and our assessment has clearly shown that the C-390 Millennium is the most suitable platform to meet our national military operational requirements.”
The C-390 Millennium boasts a payload capacity of 26 tons and capabilities to fly at speeds of up to 470 knots (540 miles/870 kilometers per hour). It is designed for a wide range of operations, including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuations, and missions related to search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian aid. Importantly, the aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways such as packed earth, soil, and gravel.
Additionally, the C-390 is equipped for air-to-air refueling, allowing it to function as both a tanker and a receiver. This capability has been successfully tested, with the aircraft able to receive fuel from another C-390 using wing-mounted refueling pods.
In the context of rising security concerns, Lithuania is actively seeking to increase foreign military purchases while also aiming to strengthen its domestic defense industry. In May, the government allocated 300 million euros (approximately $337.4 million) to enhance its defense sector, further reflecting its commitment to national security. Lithuania plans to increase its defense spending to as much as 6 percent of its GDP annually from 2026 through 2030. This strategic investment indicates Lithuania’s dedication to ensuring robust defense capabilities in the evolving security landscape.
