Sweden has formally signed for a future fleet of four Embraer C-390 tactical transports, with its acquisition being combined with existing orders for Austria and the Netherlands.

Confirmed during a 6 October signing ceremony at Uppsala air base, the purchase will lead to the Swedish air force fielding the Brazilian-built twinjets as replacements for its veteran Lockheed Martin C-130H airlifters.

The acquisition was confirmed via a contract signature between officials from Embraer Defense & Security and the defence ministry of the Netherlands, which is the lead nation for the now three-country deal.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force was already to receive five C-390s, and Austria four, via the now expanded memorandum of understanding. The three customers will benefit via the use of a largely common aircraft configuration, and from cooperating in areas such as training and in-service support.

Meanwhile, the new agreement also has added a further seven purchase options, “paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations”, Embraer says. The step underscores the current partners’ “shared commitment to modernising tactical airlift capabilities across the continent”, it adds.

“This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernisation and strengthening of the Swedish air force,” says Swedish defence minister Pal Jonson. “I am convinced we will increase our operational efficiency while enhancing interoperability with our European partners.”

Stockholm will receive its first C-390 in late 2027, the air force says.

“The C-390, with its capacity to transport 80 passengers or cargo of 26 tons in medium to long distances, will be a welcome addition to the Swedish air force,” the service says. It currently operates six C-130Hs: five which have been in use for 44 years, and another delivered in 1969, data from aviation analytics company Cirium shows.

Embraer Defense & Security chief executive Bosco da Costa Junior says Sweden’s future assets will be “capable of performing the most demanding missions – anytime, anywhere”.

Stockholm announced its selection of the C-390 in November 2024, adding to a growing list of European NATO nations to have introduced or ordered the type. In addition to the Netherlands, that list now also includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal and Slovakia.

Story updated on 8 October with schedule for first delivery.