Embraer, Saab to pitch C-390 to Sweden

Seen in Portuguese markings, the C-390 is to be pitched to Sweden by Embraer and Saab. (Embraer)

Embraer and Saab have agreed to jointly pitch the C-390 Millennium for Sweden's future medium-lift aircraft requirement.

Announced on 14 November, the arrangement will see the companies collaborate on offering the Brazilian-made airlifter to replace the Swedish Air Force's (SwAF's) ageing Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules fleet.

“Both companies announced a collaboration to position the C-390 Millennium as the preferred solution for renewing the Swedish Air Force's tactical airlift fleet,” a joint statement said, adding they would pursue other joint business opportunities in Latin America.

The C-390 is the transport variant of the KC-390 tanker-transport aircraft. Both airframes are identical, except for the addition of wingtip refuelling pods on the latter.

Having received the first of its C-130H aircraft in 1965, Sweden has one of the oldest fleets flying today. The type has been slated for retirement for some years, but in 2017 it was decided to extend the lives of its six remaining aircraft with a mid-life upgrade that would be completed in 2024. Even with the MLU, the six C-130Hs will not fly beyond 2030–32.

Besides the C-390, the SwAF is also reported to be evaluating the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules and the Airbus A400M Atlas to fulfil its requirement.