Sweden orders four KC-390 tactical transporters, in SEK ‘billions’ deal
Sweden’s order increases global KC-390 sales to 42 units overall, largely based on a variety of European orders that also include the Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal.
The signing of a KC-390 deal with Sweden. (Embraer photo)
BELFAST — Sweden has placed an order for four Embraer KC-390 tactical transport aircraft, tagging on to Austria and the Netherlands’s existing joint procurement for faster aircraft deliveries.
The deal, which secures a C-130 tactical airlifter replacement, was announced today during a visit by Sweden’s minister of defense’s state secretary Peter Sandwall to the LAAD trade show in Rio de Janeiro, according to a statement from Stockholm.
“New tactical aircraft will enhance Sweden’s defence capability,” said Sweden’s minister of defense Pal Jonson in the statement. “Through joint procurement, we will take delivery more quickly and at a lower cost than procuring the aircraft on our own. This decision will ensure that the Swedish Armed Forces has top-quality tactical transport aircraft capability.”
The Netherlands is to act as an “agent and representative” for the other two nations in order to implement the joint acquisition, based on a trilateral agreement signed last month.
Stockholm said that “final negotiations between the Netherlands and Embraer on the aircraft delivery date are ongoing,” and noted that the “new aircraft will be given priority in the production process.” It added that final assembly of the planes is slated to take place at Embraer’s production facility outside São Paolo, Brazil.
Total cost on the planes was not announced, but the Swedish statement put it at “billions” of Swedish krona.
“Sweden’s commitment to acquiring four C-390 Millennium aircraft marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s operational capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, in a statement. “Embraer remains dedicated to fulfilling Sweden’s requirements by delivering top-tier military transport aircraft, ensuring the Swedish Air Force can execute its most demanding missions with excellence.”
Breaking Defense previously reported that a first Dutch aircraft delivery, of five on order, was delayed until 2027 because of difficulties relating to “cooperation with Austria and negotiations with the manufacturer.”
Sweden’s order increases global KC-390 sales to 42 units overall, largely based on a variety of European orders that also include the Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. Slovakia has selected the type, while two aircraft are also on order from an undisclosed customer. Further afield South Korea is acquiring three units, in addition to 19 from Brazil.
Embraer, meanwhile, has a big target in mind: executives have been clear they hope to break into the US Air Force.
