Sweden has informed the industry that a decision on acquiring new aircraft to replace aging Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical airlifters will be made by the end of the year, according to Bosco da Costa, President and CEO of Embraer Defense.
Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer, is offering the C-390 Millennium, which has been garnering attention in Europe recently with orders from Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The Czech Republic has also chosen the plane, but a firm contract has not been finalized.
Last year, Sweden decided to reconsider its approach to replacing six Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft after an attempt to purchase used C-130J Super Hercules did not meet requirements.
Da Costa mentioned that Embraer has provided Sweden with significant information about the C-390 as the procurement process moves towards the selection stage. He emphasized the strong strategic defense relationship between Sweden and Brazil, driven in part by Brazil’s order of 36 Saab Gripen E/F multirole fighter jets from Sweden.
Da Costa confirmed that Sweden is nearing a decision-making point by the end of the year based on information received from the Swedish government today.
These developments come after Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, commander of the Swedish Air Force, stated to the media that they have completed the evaluation for the C-130 replacement and expressed their viewpoint to the Swedish government.
Regarding the replacement decision, Wikman highlighted its political nature and refrained from speculating on the outcome.
In a separate event, Embraer signed a C-390 procurement contract with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, securing a total of nine aircraft to be split between the Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Austrian Air Force.
As reported previously, the first Dutch delivery is now expected in 2027 due to challenges in cooperation with Vienna and prolonged negotiations with Embraer.
Embraer highlighted that the C-390 order will enhance the rapid deployment and evacuation capabilities of both European nations under challenging operational conditions, with potential synergies in training, logistics, and future platform growth.
Da Costa also mentioned that negotiations between Embraer and the Czech Republic for the procurement of two aircraft are in the final stages.
