Lithuania has become the 11th nation to select Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, announcing plans to acquire three of the advanced tactical transport aircraft during the Paris Air Show. The NATO member’s decision follows extensive market evaluation and positions the South American aircraft manufacturer for further European expansion.
Strategic Military Upgrade
Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Defense Loreta Maskalioviene confirmed the selection, stating the C-390 emerged as the optimal solution after thorough analysis of available military transport platforms. The aircraft will complement Lithuania’s existing fleet of three Leonardo C-27J Spartans, significantly enhancing the nation’s airlift capacity for both military and humanitarian missions.
European Market Expansion
Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted the growing European adoption of the C-390, emphasizing its NATO interoperability and mission readiness. The Lithuanian procurement follows recent orders from Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and the Netherlands, with Portugal expanding its fleet to six aircraft during the same airshow.
Operational Advantages
The C-390’s versatility allows it to perform diverse missions including troop transport, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling. Its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways makes it particularly valuable for Lithuania’s defense requirements. Embraer promises comprehensive European-based support and training infrastructure to ensure operational effectiveness.
Contract Finalization Process
While the declaration of intent marks a significant milestone, final contract negotiations are expected to conclude in coming months. The deal represents a major defense investment for Lithuania as it modernizes its armed forces in response to evolving regional security challenges.
Growing Global Footprint
With eleven customers across four continents, including South Korea and Brazil, the C-390 program continues to gain momentum. The undisclosed buyer and Slovakia’s expressed interest suggest Embraer may announce additional sales in the near future, potentially surpassing initial production expectations.
