Embraer's C/KC-390 Millennium tactical freighter has attracted the attention of several nations, including Sweden, which could be the jet's newest customer. To sell the C-390 to the Swedes, Embraer ed Saab at the beginning of the year, in a partnership that was reinforced at the Dubai Air Show 2023 (DAS).
The CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior and the President of Saab, Micael Johansson, met during the event. Through social media, Embraer took advantage of the executives' meeting to reinforce the t offer of the KC-390 to Sweden.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of #embraer Defense & Security, and Micael Johansson, President and CEO of @Saab, in the Embraer static exhibition area during the @DubaiAirshow. Know more: https://t.co/tu3QMF #C390 #Millennium #DAS23 #DubaiAirshow pic.twitter.com/AE3zWGRKrS
- Embraer (@embraer) November 14, 2023
“Earlier this year, both companies announced a collaboration to position the C-390 Millennium as the best solution to renew the Swedish Air Force’s tactical airlift fleet, as well as to develop other t business opportunities in Latin America.”, says the Brazilian manufacturer's post on LinkedIn.
Almost two months ago, Defense Minister José Múcio confirmed Stockholm's interest in the Brazilian freighter. Múcio had also scheduled a trip to Sweden to negotiate the Embraer jet, but events in the Middle East prevented him from going.
As previously explained in Aeroflap, the sale of C-390s to Sweden is discussed since 2009, when the FX-2 Program was still in the competitor analysis phase. At the time, the Swedes offered to purchase the Brazilian model as part of the counterpart agreement.
According to the Brazilian Minister, the most recent offer includes a win-win agreement, where Sweden buys four KC-390s and Brazil acquires another batch of F-39 Gripen fighters, in addition to the 40 already ordered.
Sweden wants to replace its C-130H Hercules, in service since 1965 and which, according to the portal, Janes, are among the oldest in activity in the world. The turboprops have had a mid-life upgrade but are expected to stop flying at the beginning of the next decade.
The KC-390 has been winning over customers on the Old Continent: Portugal, the program's partner, bought five planes and Its first unit is already operating; Hungary acquired two units; The Netherlands signed a contract for five planes and Austria will buy four KC-390s together with the Netherlands. Czechia is the most recent customer, g a contract for two aircraft.
In addition to the signed purchases, Embraer negotiates with several other countries, including India, the Czech Republic, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
