Defense & Military
Lithuania Acquires Embraer C-390 Jets for NATO Defense Modernization
Lithuania invests in Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to enhance NATO interoperability, defense readiness, and industrial partnerships by 2029.
On June 18, 2025, at the Paris Air Show, the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania announced a landmark decision to acquire three Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This move signals a significant evolution in the country’s defense posture, aligning it with NATO’s broader modernization efforts and reinforcing its commitment to collective security.
The choice of the C-390 Millennium is not merely about upgrading hardware; it represents a deeper strategic alignment with European allies and a forward-looking approach to military logistics, interoperability, and industrial cooperation. With this acquisition, Lithuania joins a growing list of NATO nations that have opted for Embraer’s next-generation transport aircraft, citing its speed, payload capacity, and versatility as key differentiators.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is engineered to meet the demands of modern military missions. With a maximum payload capacity of 26 tons, it surpasses many of its medium-lift competitors, including the Lockheed C-130J Hercules. The aircraft’s cruise speed of 470 knots (approximately 870 km/h) allows for faster mission execution, a critical factor in time-sensitive operations such as medical evacuations or disaster relief.
In terms of operational range, the C-390 can fly up to 1,080 nautical miles with a full payload, and up to 4,570 nautical miles with auxiliary tanks. This extended reach enhances its strategic utility for NATO missions and humanitarian deployments. Additionally, the aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared or unpaved runways, such as gravel or packed earth, increasing its flexibility in austere environments.
The aircraft is powered by two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each delivering 139.4 kN of thrust. This jet-powered configuration not only contributes to superior speed but also simplifies maintenance compared to turboprop systems, offering lower lifecycle costs.
“The C-390 Millennium combines jet-speed performance with tactical versatility, making it a compelling choice for modern air forces,”, Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security
Designed with modularity in mind, the C-390 can be quickly reconfigured for a variety of missions. These include cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), aerial refueling, search and rescue (SAR), and firefighting. The cargo hold accommodates up to seven 463L pallets or 80 troops, and can be adapted to carry 66 paratroopers or 74 stretchers for medical missions.
The aircraft is equipped with Cobham aerial refueling pods, enabling both tanker and receiver configurations. This feature significantly extends the operational range of allied aircraft during joint missions. Its SAR capabilities are enhanced by integrated radar and infrared systems, allowing for all-weather search operations.
In peacetime, the C-390 has already proven its value in humanitarian missions. It has been deployed for disaster relief in Brazil’s Amazon region and for delivering aid to Ukraine, showcasing its global reach and adaptability. Lithuania’s decision to procure the C-390 followed a thorough evaluation of competing platforms, including the C-130J and Airbus A400M. According to Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskaliovienė, the selection was based on “technical capabilities, speed of delivery, and cost-effectiveness.” The aircraft’s compatibility with NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) ensures seamless integration into multinational operations.
By aligning its airlift capabilities with those of other NATO members, such as Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands, Lithuania enhances its ability to participate in joint exercises, rapid deployments, and humanitarian missions. The acquisition strengthens deterrence in the Baltic region, where rapid mobility is crucial for NATO’s forward defense posture.
Portugal’s expansion of its C-390 fleet, with plans to acquire up to 16 units, further underscores the aircraft’s growing role in NATO’s mobility strategy. Lithuania’s entry into this ecosystem enhances its strategic relevance within the alliance.
Beyond its military utility, the C-390 deal includes industrial cooperation agreements that will bring economic benefits to Lithuania. These include opportunities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as parts co-production and partnerships with academic institutions.
Similar arrangements in countries like the Czech Republic and Portugal have led to technology transfer and job creation. For instance, Aero Vodochody, which manufactures aft fuselage sections for the C-390, plans to double its production capacity, creating over 200 jobs. Lithuania could see comparable benefits as it integrates into Embraer’s European supply chain.
These partnerships not only support local economies but also reduce dependency on external suppliers, enhancing resilience in defense logistics. The collaboration aligns with NATO’s emphasis on industrial base strengthening and transatlantic defense cooperation.
“Industrial cooperation is not just about offsets, it’s about building long-term capabilities and strategic autonomy within Europe,”, Defense Industry Analyst, European Security Forum
Compared to the Lockheed C-130J, the C-390 offers a higher payload (26 tons vs. 19 tons), faster cruise speed (470 knots vs. 417 knots), and lower operating costs. These advantages make it particularly attractive to countries seeking high performance without the premium costs associated with heavy-lift aircraft like the Airbus A400M.
The Airbus A400M, while capable of carrying up to 37 tons, comes with a significantly higher acquisition cost and is optimized for strategic rather than tactical missions. The C-390’s smaller footprint and agility make it better suited for rapid-response and intra-theater operations. Analysts have noted that the C-390’s jet engines offer “lower maintenance complexity,” which is appealing to nations with limited defense budgets or those looking to modernize without overextending financially.
Since its entry into service in 2019, the C-390 has gained traction in the global defense market. With confirmed orders from several NATO countries and ongoing negotiations with others, the aircraft has captured a significant portion of the medium-lift segment. Its competitive pricing further strengthens its market position.
The global military transport aircraft market is projected to grow steadily. Embraer’s focus on multirole flexibility and cost-efficiency positions the C-390 as a strong contender, particularly among mid-sized nations seeking to modernize their fleets without compromising on capability.
Future upgrades, including AI-driven logistics systems and hybrid propulsion, could further enhance the aircraft’s appeal, aligning with the EU’s Climate-Neutral Defense Roadmap and broader sustainability goals in military aviation.
Lithuania’s selection of the Embraer C-390 Millennium marks a strategic leap forward in its national defense capabilities and NATO integration. By opting for a platform that combines speed, payload, and versatility, Lithuania not only modernizes its airlift capabilities but also strengthens its role within the alliance’s collective defense framework.
The inclusion of industrial cooperation and technology transfer underscores a broader vision that extends beyond military readiness to economic development and strategic autonomy. As more European nations adopt the C-390, the aircraft is poised to become a cornerstone of NATO’s tactical airlift strategy, offering a compelling alternative to legacy systems in a rapidly evolving security environment.
What missions can the C-390 Millennium perform? Why did Lithuania choose the C-390 over other aircraft? When will Lithuania receive the aircraft?
Lithuania’s Strategic Acquisition of the Embraer C-390 Millennium: A New Chapter in NATO Defense Readiness
Technical and Operational Superiority of the C-390 Millennium
Performance and Capabilities
Multirole Versatility
Strategic and Economic Implications for Lithuania
Defense Modernization and NATO Interoperability
Industrial Cooperation and Economic Benefits
Comparative Analysis and Market Position
C-390 vs. Legacy Platforms
Position in the Global Market
Conclusion
FAQ
The C-390 is capable of troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, aerial refueling, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions.
Lithuania selected the C-390 due to its superior speed, payload capacity, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability with NATO allies.
Deliveries are expected to begin before 2029, pending the finalization of the acquisition contract and national legal procedures.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer