Sweden allocates funds for Embraer C-390 Millennium purchase
Sweden's 2026 defense budget includes approximately $450 million for acquisitions and infrastructure
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The Swedish government has unveiled its proposed 2026 defense budget, which includes a key allocation for the acquisition of "tactical transport aircraft." This move represents a decisive financial step toward finalizing the purchase of four Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft, a deal that was first announced in April of this year.
At a press conference on September 15, the Swedish government revealed a historic defense investment for 2026, driven by what it calls "the most serious security situation in several decades." Within this budget proposal, more than 4.7 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $450 million) has been allocated to military equipment and facilities acquisitions.
Official documents indicate (without providing specific details) that a primary acquisition for the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) will be in the "taktiskt transportflyg" (tactical transport aircraft) category. This confirms the allocation of the necessary funds to begin the program to replace its aging C-130 Hercules transport fleet.
This budget allocation is the first concrete financial step since the announcement made at the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition on April 1. At that event, Peter Sandwall, Sweden's State Secretary for the Ministry of Defense, formalized the country's commitment to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft, joining a joint procurement program with the Netherlands and Austria.
The inclusion of this capability in the 2026 budget transforms a political intention into a financially backed program. This paves the way for the final contract to be signed, which will be managed by the Netherlands as the representative agent for the three nations. This joint acquisition strategy aims not only to reduce unit costs but also to accelerate delivery times and foster synergies in interoperability, training, and logistical support within NATO.
Sweden's decision to acquire the C-390 is a response to the need to modernize its tactical transport wing, which currently relies on its veteran C-130H Hercules. The C-390 Millennium is considered a "game changer" by its operators, offering greater speed, range, and cargo capacity, along with high operational availability, which currently exceeds 93% across the global fleet.
"The C-390's ability to operate in challenging environments, anytime and anywhere, will represent a crucial improvement for Sweden's defense, ensuring effective operations for decades to come," Peter Sandwall stated in April, emphasizing the importance of having a platform that is interoperable with NATO standards.
This investment is part of a larger effort by the Swedish government to strengthen its armed forces in the face of the threat posed by Russia. The total defense budget will increase by 26.6 billion kronor in 2026, raising military spending to 2.8% of GDP, with the goal of reaching 3.5% by 2030.
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