Sweden Buys New Transport Planes to Replace Hercules Fleet
Sweden is spending billions on new Brazilian-made transport planes to replace its aging Hercules fleet. The controversial deal comes years after Brazil purchased Swedish fighter jets, raising questions about trade connections. Defense officials say the C-390 aircraft offer superior modern capabilities.
Sweden will purchase four new tactical transport aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. The C-390 Millennium planes will replace Sweden's aging Hercules fleet within 2-3 years.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed the multi-billion kronor deal on Monday. He stated the new aircraft represent a major technological upgrade for Sweden's military transport capabilities.
This is a world-class platform in terms of price and performance, Jonson said in a statement. The Hercules planes are old aircraft, and with the C-390 we get a much more modern and digital solution.
The deal has faced controversy over potential trade connections to Brazil's earlier purchase of Swedish fighter jets. In 2015, Brazil bought 36 Gripen fighter aircraft from Sweden in a deal worth nearly 40 billion kronor.
Critics suggest the transport plane purchase might help secure future Brazilian orders for Gripen aircraft. Brazil plans to upgrade its fighter jet fleet in coming years.
The timing raises legitimate questions about whether this represents a strategic trade relationship rather than purely military needs. Sweden's defense ministry maintains the C-390 was selected solely on its technical merits.
The new transport planes can carry military vehicles, helicopters, and VIP passengers. They represent Sweden's ongoing military modernization efforts amid changing European security concerns.