Lithuania to Buy Three Embraer C-390 Millennium Military Transport Aircraft

Lithuania will purchase three C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, the company announced.

The aircraft are expected to boost Lithuania’s operational readiness and interoperability with NATO allies. They will supplement the country’s existing fleet of C-27J Spartan aircraft.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced the selection of the C-390 during the Paris Air Show on May 18. The decision initiates the formal procurement process under national legal and regulatory procedures, with contract negotiations expected in the coming months.

The agreement will include industrial cooperation measures, offering opportunities for local maintenance, repair operations, and potential component production.

Embraer noted that Lithuania joins a growing list of European and NATO operators of the C-390, including Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Slovakia.

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine, medium-range jet designed for multi-role military transport. It can carry up to 23 tons of cargo, operate at speeds up to 870 km/h, and has a maximum range of approximately 2,500 kilometers with a full payload.

In addition to troop and cargo transport, the aircraft is capable of aerial refueling, medical evacuation, and search and rescue missions.

The Lithuanian Air Force currently operates three Italian-made C-27J Spartans, used for tactical airlift, medevac, paratroop deployment, and VIP transport.