Defense & Military
Embraer Strengthens Defense Cooperation with Lithuania via Industrial MoUs
Embraer Defense Europe partners with Lithuania through 8 MoUs to enhance aerospace cooperation and support defense modernization with the C-390 Millennium.
Embraer Defense Europe Strengthens Strategic Aerospace Partnerships with Lithuania Through Comprehensive Industrial Cooperation Framework
In August 2025, Embraer Defense Europe formalized a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with eight Lithuanian organizations, marking a pivotal expansion of Brazil’s leading aerospace manufacturer into the Baltic region. These agreements underscore a multifaceted approach to international defense collaboration, encompassing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering innovation, technological development, and supply chain management. This strategic move follows Lithuania’s selection of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, positioning the country as a key industrial partner within Embraer’s expanding European network. The partnership reflects not only a procurement relationship but also a comprehensive framework aligned with Lithuania’s ambitious defense modernization program, which includes plans to increase defense spending to 5-6% of GDP between 2026 and 2030. Embraer’s commitment to deepening its European footprint is evident, with over 40% of the C-390’s supply chain already sourced from European partners, while supporting Lithuania’s strategic objectives to develop a resilient, high-tech defense industrial base.
This development is emblematic of a broader trend in European defense cooperation, where partnerships transcend traditional supplier-customer boundaries to create integrated industrial ecosystems. Lithuania’s engagement with Embraer demonstrates a sophisticated approach to defense modernization, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term industrial and technological development. As European security dynamics evolve, such partnerships are increasingly viewed as essential to enhancing both national and alliance capabilities, fostering innovation, and ensuring supply chain resilience across the continent.
Background: Lithuania’s Defense Modernization and Strategic C-390 Selection
Lithuania’s decision to procure the C-390 Millennium military-aircraft is a cornerstone of its broader defense modernization strategy, driven by the need to address evolving security challenges in the Baltic region and enhance NATO interoperability. The selection, announced at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, followed a rigorous evaluation of available military transport platforms. According to Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskaliovienė, the C-390 Millennium was deemed “the most suitable platform to meet our national military operational requirements,” underscoring the thoroughness of the assessment process.
The procurement aligns with Lithuania’s unprecedented expansion in defense spending. In 2025, the country allocated approximately €3.2 billion (about $3.5 billion) to defense, representing around 3.9% of GDP. More notably, Lithuanian officials have announced plans to raise military expenditure to between 5% and 6% of GDP from 2026 to 2030, potentially making Lithuania the top NATO spender in terms of GDP proportion. This financial commitment reflects both the urgency of regional security concerns and a determination to contribute robustly to collective defense.
Lithuania’s modernization program encompasses more than airlift capability. Recent acquisitions include 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks and tracked CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, supporting the country’s goal of establishing a fully equipped division. The C-390 Millennium will supplement the existing fleet of three C-27J Spartan aircraft, enhancing Lithuania’s ability to rapidly deploy troops and equipment while strengthening NATO’s overall deterrence posture in the region.
Strategic Memorandums of Understanding: Details and Partners
The eight MoUs signed between Embraer and Lithuanian partners represent a sophisticated approach to industrial cooperation. These agreements, finalized after extensive engagement and facility assessments, go far beyond transactional supplier relationships. They are designed to foster long-term collaboration across academia, private industry, and high-tech research sectors.
Academic institutions such as Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius Tech) are integral to this framework, supporting research, development, and talent cultivation. The Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology (BPTI), a private research institute, brings expertise in high-speed electronics, RF and mm-Wave circuit design, machine learning, and cybersecurity. BPTI is already active in numerous European defense research projects, positioning it as a valuable partner for Embraer.
Other key partners include Aktyvus Photonics, specializing in robust laser systems for defense applications; J&C Aero, an international aviation center with advanced manufacturing and airworthiness capabilities; Brolis Defence, a leader in electro-optical and laser systems; and Nordic Aircraft Systems and DAT, which add further specialized capabilities. This diverse partnership model enables technology transfer, capability development, and integration into Embraer’s broader European supply chain.
“Embraer will not only contribute to Lithuania’s defense capabilities with the C-390 aircraft, but will also support the country’s industrial and technological development.”, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security
Embraer’s European Strategy and Industrial Cooperation Model
Embraer’s engagement with Lithuania is the latest step in a strategic shift towards deep industrial cooperation in Europe. Over 40% of the C-390’s supply chain is already sourced from European partners, and Embraer has established similar industrial cooperation projects in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. The company’s European headquarters in Lisbon serves as a focal point for these activities, facilitating collaboration with EU and NATO institutions.
This industrial cooperation model is designed to create mutual dependencies and shared value, moving beyond traditional offset requirements. Embraer actively pursues technology transfer, joint development projects, and academic partnerships, ensuring that collaborations generate long-term economic and strategic benefits. The Lithuanian MoUs reflect this philosophy, encompassing research, manufacturing, and support infrastructure across multiple sectors.
The approach has proven effective in building trust with European defense ministries, who increasingly prioritize industrial development and resilience. By integrating local partners into its supply chain and development projects, Embraer positions itself as a European aerospace partner, not just a foreign supplier, strengthening its competitive standing in the region.
Technical Capabilities and Operational Context of the C-390 Millennium
The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation military transport aircraft, designed for versatility and high performance in demanding environments. With a maximum speed of 988 km/h and a cruise speed of 870 km/h, it is among the fastest in its class. Its payload capacity of up to 26 tons enables it to transport a wide range of military equipment, including armored vehicles, helicopters, and up to 80 soldiers.
The aircraft’s modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration between transport, medical evacuation, and paratrooper operations. Its cockpit is equipped with advanced avionics and enhanced vision systems, supporting operational flexibility and situational awareness. The C-390 also features aerial refueling capabilities, both as a tanker and receiver, enhancing NATO interoperability and extending mission range.
Since its operational debut with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, and subsequent adoption by Portugal and Hungary, the C-390 has demonstrated high reliability, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%. Its ability to operate from unpaved or temporary runways is particularly valuable for Baltic operations, where geographic constraints demand flexibility and resilience.
“The new military aircraft will allow us to move our troops and equipment faster, further, and more economically, while at the same time strengthening the Alliance’s overall deterrence potential.”, Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovilė Šakalienė
Lithuania’s Defense Industry Development and Investment Strategy
Lithuania’s defense industrial strategy is characterized by a coordinated effort to attract foreign investment and build indigenous capabilities. The government employs a “Green Corridor” approach, streamlining regulatory processes and providing support to international defense companies. The most prominent example is Rheinmetall’s €180 million ammunition plant, set to create 150 local jobs and supply critical munitions to both Lithuanian and NATO forces.
Beyond foreign investment, Lithuania is investing in domestic companies like Brolis Defence, which recently delivered advanced night combat technologies to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The integration of academic institutions into the defense industrial base ensures a pipeline of skilled workers and supports long-term technological advancement.
The planned increase in defense spending provides a stable financial foundation for industrial development, creating predictable demand and supporting the business case for both domestic and international investments. This strategy positions Lithuania as a regional hub for defense manufacturing and technological innovation.
Global Context: NATO Interoperability and European Defense Integration
Lithuania’s partnership with Embraer and adoption of the C-390 Millennium occur within a broader push for NATO interoperability and European defense integration. The C-390 has been selected by several European and NATO allies, creating opportunities for shared training, maintenance, and operational synergies. Portugal’s options for future C-390 purchases and the Netherlands’ shared aeromedical modules exemplify this collaborative approach.
Embraer’s network of C-390 Training Centres across Europe supports standardized procedures and qualifications, reducing costs and enhancing alliance effectiveness. For Lithuania, this means access to advanced capabilities and full integration with NATO partners, supporting rapid deployment and joint operations.
The industrial cooperation aspects of the partnership align with European Union objectives to strengthen defense industrial autonomy and reduce reliance on non-European suppliers. Lithuanian partners’ participation in EU defense research programs further supports these goals, contributing to both national and continental technological advancement.
Economic Implications and Market Analysis
The economic impact of the Embraer-Lithuania partnership extends well beyond the initial aircraft acquisition. Lithuania’s defense spending, projected to rise to 5-6% of GDP, creates substantial market opportunities for both domestic and international partners. The C-390 program itself, with each aircraft valued at approximately €80 million, represents a significant investment, with additional value generated through maintenance, training, and supply chain integration.
The MoUs with Lithuanian companies open pathways for technology transfer, joint development, and participation in Embraer’s European supply chain. Investments in facilities like J&C Aero’s new cabin interior hub and Aktyvus Photonics’ manufacturing capabilities demonstrate the potential for job creation and economic growth.
Academic partnerships ensure a steady supply of skilled workers, supporting both the aerospace sector and broader high-tech industries. The economic success of similar projects, such as Rheinmetall’s ammunition plant, provides a benchmark for the potential benefits of comprehensive industrial cooperation.
Future Prospects and Strategic Implications
The Embraer-Lithuania partnership sets a precedent for future international defense collaborations, combining capability acquisition with meaningful industrial development. Lithuania’s ambitious defense spending and commitment to technological innovation provide a foundation for expanding the partnership into new capability areas and technology domains.
The success of this model may influence other NATO allies seeking to balance defense modernization with economic development, potentially attracting additional international partners. As security dynamics in Eastern Europe continue to evolve, Lithuania’s early adoption of the C-390 and integration into Embraer’s European network position it as a regional leader in both operations and industrial cooperation.
Conclusion
The partnerships between Embraer Defense Europe and Lithuania marks a significant evolution in European aerospace and defense cooperation. By moving beyond traditional procurement relationships, both parties have established a framework for sustained industrial collaboration, technological advancement, and economic growth. The eight MoUs signed in 2025 lay the groundwork for a comprehensive ecosystem that benefits Lithuania’s national security, industrial base, and integration into the European defense landscape.
As Lithuania increases its defense spending and deepens its commitment to NATO, the Embraer partnership demonstrates how modern defense relationships can deliver both immediate operational capabilities and long-term strategic value. The model established here may serve as a template for future collaborations in Europe and beyond, supporting alliance interoperability, industrial resilience, and technological innovation for years to come.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Embraer-Lithuania MoUs?
The MoUs represent a comprehensive industrial cooperation framework that extends beyond aircraft procurement, encompassing technology transfer, research, manufacturing, and supply chain integration. This supports Lithuania’s defense modernization and positions it as a key partner in Embraer’s European strategy.
How does the C-390 Millennium enhance Lithuania’s military capabilities?
The C-390 Millennium offers superior speed, payload, and versatility compared to similar aircraft. It enables rapid troop and equipment transport, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling, supporting both national defense and NATO interoperability.
What are the economic implications of the partnership?
The partnership is expected to generate significant economic benefits through direct investment, job creation, technology transfer, and integration into Embraer’s European supply chain. It also supports Lithuania’s broader high-tech and industrial development goals.
Sources: Embraer Media Center
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
SNC and Skyryse Partner to Retrofit Fleets With SkyOS Automation
SNC and Skyryse will integrate SkyOS fly-by-wire automation into existing defense and commercial aircraft fleets via FAA ODA certification.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and aviation technology company Skyryse have formed a collaboration to integrate software-defined flight automation into existing military and commercial aircraft fleets.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the partnership aims to retrofit legacy airframes with Skyryse’s SkyOS system, enabling optionally piloted operations and reduced crew workload without the capital expenditure required to procure new aircraft. The initial focus of the collaboration will target defense platforms.
Certification and integration strategy
The collaboration pairs Skyryse’s flight control technology with SNC’s established aircraft modification and certification infrastructure. A key component of the partnership involves 3S Engineering and Certification, a wholly owned SNC subsidiary based in Wichita, Kansas.
The subsidiary holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This status grants the company the authority to issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and certify equipment installations, providing a direct regulatory pathway for integrating SkyOS into operational fleets.
SNC Executive Vice President Jon Piatt noted the practical advantages of the approach. “Modernizing a fleet doesn’t always mean buying new aircraft,” Piatt said in a press release.
Skyryse Founder and CEO Mark Groden emphasized the speed of retrofitting compared to clean-sheet aircraft development.
“The fastest way to modernize a fleet is to upgrade the aircraft already in it, and we’ve shown on the Black Hawk that SkyOS can do that in months, not years. SNC’s certification and integration expertise gives us the path to bring a new level of automation and capability to existing fleets at scale,” Groden said.
The UH-60 Black Hawk proof of concept
The foundation for the SNC partnership stems from a late 2025 technology demonstration. On December 22, 2025, Skyryse achieved the first flight of a UH-60 Black Hawk equipped with the SkyOS system.
The integration process for the Black Hawk was completed in 91 days. During the demonstration, the system executed automated pickup, hover, and setdown maneuvers, validating the aircraft-agnostic design of the software.
SkyOS replaces traditional mechanical flight control linkages with a triply redundant fly-by-wire system. The interface utilizes a four-axis joystick and touchscreen displays, designed to simplify pilot inputs and manage complex flight envelopes automatically.
“SNC has spent more than 60 years modifying and sustaining aircraft for demanding missions,” Piatt said. “Pairing that experience with SkyOS gives us a way to explore new levels of automation that can reduce operator workload, support more consistent decision-making and help crews focus on the mission.”
Expanding partnerships in the automation sector
The SNC agreement follows a series of strategic moves by Skyryse to position its technology across both commercial and defense markets. Founded in 2016 and based in El Segundo, California, the company initially focused on the civil sector, developing the Skyryse One, a proprietary aircraft based on the Robinson R66 platform.
In recent weeks, Skyryse has rapidly expanded its defense and unmanned applications. On September 23, 2026, the company announced a partnership with BAE Systems Australia to evaluate integrating SkyOS with BAE’s Vehicle Management System (VMS) for autonomous flight applications.
The following day, on September 24, 2026, Skyryse formalized an agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company to develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system (UAV) for defense applications, utilizing the R66 airframe powered by SkyOS.
SNC, founded in 1963 and operating as a privately owned mid-tier aerospace and defense contractor, brings the scale required to transition these technologies from prototypes to fielded military assets. The defense and commercial aviation sectors are increasingly looking toward optionally piloted and autonomous flight systems to extend the operational life of legacy airframes.
AirPro News analysis
The defense aviation sector is currently navigating a tension between the desire for advanced autonomous capabilities and the reality of constrained procurement budgets. By focusing on retrofitting existing platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk, SNC and Skyryse are targeting a lucrative middle ground. This approach extends the operational relevance of legacy airframes while introducing optionally piloted capabilities that modern combat doctrines increasingly demand.
The most critical element of this collaboration is SNC’s ODA status through its 3S Engineering subsidiary. In aviation technology, the bottleneck is rarely the software itself; it is the certification pathway. By pairing a nimble aviation startup with an established defense contractor that holds STC authority, the partnership bypasses the traditional regulatory friction that often delays the fielding of novel flight control systems.
Photo Credit: Skyryse
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace Completes AISPECO Acquisition for $10.5M
Volatus Aerospace finalizes its $10.5M acquisition of Lithuanian sensor developer AISPECO UAB, gaining an EU and NATO manufacturing base.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) has finalized its acquisition of Lithuanian sensor and software developer AISPECO UAB, securing a direct manufacturing foothold in the European Union and NATO.
The transaction, announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, vertically integrates AISPECO’s proprietary airborne sensor platforms and mission software into Volatus’ existing uncrewed and piloted aircraft operations. The deal carries a base transaction value of $10.5 million, with an additional $2.5 million in contingent earnouts tied to three-year performance milestones.
Financial structure and milestone targets
The completion of the acquisition follows an initial agreement announced on October 14, 2026. The $10.5 million base consideration consists of $3.0 million in cash, the issuance of 17,434,193 Volatus common shares at a deemed price of C$0.5813 per share, and the granting of 1,859,804 Restricted Share Units (RSUs).
An additional $2.5 million in contingent consideration may be paid to AISPECO between October 2026 and October 2029. These earnouts are payable in cash or shares and depend on the achievement of specified financial, commercial, and product-development milestones over the three-year period. While some financial aggregators have characterized the transaction as a $13 million deal, official breakdowns confirm this higher figure is only reached if all future performance targets are met.
The acquisition also marks a successful exit for venture firm Superhero Capital. The backer had previously invested EUR 2.5 million in AISPECO across funding rounds in 2022 and 2024.
Integrating sensor technology with aircraft operations
AISPECO develops and manufactures advanced geospatial systems designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and Helicopters. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX modular sensor pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP flight-management software. The platform is designed to support multiple sensor types and currently holds certification for installation on more than 20 different aircraft types, with two European patent applications pending.
Prior to the acquisition, AISPECO had sold approximately 50 complete systems to customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These technologies are primarily utilized for the inspection of power grids, gas pipelines, and transport infrastructure, alongside applications in forest inventory, urban mapping, defence, and border surveillance.
Volatus Aerospace CEO Glen Lynch stated that the acquisition brings the company closer to delivering a complete, end-to-end aerial intelligence ecosystem.
“By integrating AISPECO’s proprietary sensors and software with our aircraft platforms and operational capabilities, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen our technology base and deliver more comprehensive solutions to defence, industrial and commercial customers worldwide,” Lynch said.
Expanding European defence and commercial footprint
Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, Volatus Aerospace operates an Operations Control Centre (OCC) for remote and autonomous flights and manufactures Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including the Condor XL heavy-lift cargo drone. The company has historically focused on delivering intelligence and cargo solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Founded in 2020 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, AISPECO brings rapid financial growth to the combined entity. The Lithuanian firm generated C$5.72 million in fiscal 2025 revenue, a figure that more than doubled its fiscal 2024 revenue.
The integration of AISPECO provides Volatus with a direct engineering and manufacturing base in a NATO and European Union member country. This European presence complements the company’s existing Canadian manufacturing operations and is intended to support broader opportunities in government and allied defence markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the acquisition of AISPECO as a structural shift for Volatus Aerospace, transitioning the company from an operator and distributor of aircraft systems into a vertically integrated technology provider. By bringing sensor payload and mission software development in-house, Volatus captures a larger share of the value chain in the aerial intelligence market. Securing a manufacturing base in Lithuania also provides a distinct strategic advantage for European defence procurement, where domestic sourcing requirements within NATO and the European Union increasingly dictate contract awards.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
Defense & Military
Bombardier and BAE Systems Sign MOU for Combat Air Programs
Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an MOU on Oct 28, 2026, to explore next-generation combat air collaboration.
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore joint development of industrial and technology capabilities for next-generation combat air programs.
Announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, the bilateral agreement positions the Canadian aerospace manufacturer to integrate its engineering and manufacturing footprint into allied military aviation requirements. The partnership aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy, coming three months after the country formally engaged with international sixth-generation fighter development efforts.
Strategic framework and capability exploration
The MOU establishes an exploratory framework to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with future capability requirements and government priorities. Rather than a commitment to a specific aircraft program, the agreement serves to connect Bombardier’s specialized supplier ecosystems with BAE Systems’ combat air expertise.
Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, stated that the company is positioned to develop the talent required for programs carrying a generational impact on the defense industry.
“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” McCullough said.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, noted the opportunity to support the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the collaboration.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air,” Barnes said.
Canada’s evolving role in next-generation air combat
The partnership materializes as Canada deepens its involvement in international air combat initiatives. On July 21, 2026, the Department of National Defence announced that Canada had joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its first observer nation.
GCAP is a multinational initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Observer status allows the Canadian government to assess potential future participation and gain insight into the program’s governance and industrial framework. Crucially, the designation enables the identification of opportunities for domestic companies without requiring an immediate financial commitment from the state.
The bilateral agreement positions Bombardier to capture future procurement cycles as Canada evaluates its long-term role in next-generation air combat initiatives.
Industrial positioning and defense adaptation
Bombardier primarily designs, builds, and maintains the Global and Challenger families of business jets. The company reports a global operating fleet of over 5,300 aircraft, supported by 10 service facilities across six countries.
The manufacturer’s specialized division, Bombardier Defense, focuses on adapting these civilian airframes for military and government missions. The unit emphasizes reliability, performance, and adaptability for specialized operations. By partnering with BAE Systems, Bombardier seeks to expand its defense footprint beyond modified business jets and into the broader combat air supply chain.
BAE Systems operates as one of the primary industrial partners in GCAP, working alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The British aerospace and defense company brings extensive experience in systems integration and military aircraft manufacturing to the exploratory partnership with Bombardier.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a calculated positioning move by Bombardier to secure high-value engineering work within the lucrative sixth-generation fighter ecosystem. While Bombardier is not a traditional combat aircraft prime contractor, modern air combat programs rely heavily on distributed systems, advanced materials, and specialized sensor integration. By partnering with a Tier 1 prime like BAE Systems, Bombardier can leverage its existing aerospace engineering workforce and supply chain to capture defense revenue streams without the prohibitive cost of developing clean-sheet military airframes.
This industrial alignment also provides the Canadian government with tangible domestic economic benefits as it evaluates deeper participation in GCAP. Securing a role for a major domestic aerospace employer like Bombardier makes the political case for future Canadian financial investment in GCAP significantly stronger.
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
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