Sweden’s air force is set to enhance its transport capabilities with the acquisition of four Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This announcement was made at a recent defense and aerospace expo in Brazil, heralding a significant step for the Swedish military’s operational capacity both domestically and internationally.
The finalized deal will see the assembly of these aircraft take place at Embraer’s production facility in São Paulo, Brazil. Following the completion of final negotiations between Embraer and Swedish authorities, the first deliveries are expected to commence. Once the aircraft arrive in Sweden, they will be stationed at Skaraborg Air Base in SÃ¥tenäs. Here, they will operate alongside the Royal Swedish Air Force’s existing fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The implementation of the C-390s is particularly noteworthy as they are poised to gradually replace the aging C-130s, which have been in service since the 1960s. The transition to the C-390s is expected to be completed by 2030, marking a modernization of Sweden’s military airlift capabilities.
Embraer Defense & Security’s CEO, Bosco da Costa Jr., expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating that these next-generation aircraft would significantly enhance Sweden’s military transport efficiency. He emphasized that the C-390s would leverage existing European synergies in areas such as interoperability, training, and lifecycle support. Da Costa Jr. further reaffirmed Embraer’s commitment to meeting Sweden’s military needs by delivering top-tier transport solutions, enabling the Swedish Air Force to conduct demanding missions with efficiency and excellence.
The C-390 Millennium features a 35-meter (115-foot) airframe, capable of carrying a maximum fuel load of 35,000 kilograms (77,162 pounds) and a payload of up to 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds). Its versatility allows it to accommodate various cargo configurations, including seven master pallets, six pallets along with approximately 30 personnel, up to 60 paratroopers, around 70 stretchers for medical evacuations, or 80 armed soldiers. In addition to transport roles, the aircraft can be equipped with a refueling device, enhancing its capabilities to support airborne replenishment missions.
Flying with twin IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, the C-390 can reach speeds exceeding 900 kilometers per hour (559 miles per hour) and has a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) with an operational ceiling of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). The acquisition of this state-of-the-art transport aircraft is a strategic move for Sweden, aiming to bolster its military readiness and response capabilities in an evolving global security landscape.
