After previously exploring the acquisition of second-hand C-130Js, the Swedish Defense Minister signed a letter of intent to begin the C-390 procurement process.
Sweden has announced that it has selected the Embraer C-390 as the replacement for the Swedish Air Force's aging C-130H fleet (known as Tp84 in Sweden). Defense Minister Pal Jonsson Sign a letter of intent On November 9, 2024, at the Brazilian Defense Ministers’ Meeting, they expressed their willingness to expand cooperation in the aviation field and officially launched the acquisition process.
C-130H served in Swedish Air Force The service says it's more than 50 years old, but it's getting older and has accessibility issues. The search for a replacement has been ongoing for a long time, and there were reports in 2022 that second-hand C-130Js may be purchased.
“This means we can take the long-awaited step to begin replacing our existing transport aircraft with C-390 aircraft systems,” Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Karl-Johan Edstrom said of the letter of intent . “Now we can begin work to ensure operational requirements for long-term tactical lift aviation capabilities.”
The Letter of Intent has been warmly welcomed by the Swedish Armed Forces as they continue their modernization process. acquisition C-390 Bilateral relations between Sweden and Brazil have been further strengthened following the sale of the Gripen E to the South American country.
“It is very satisfying that we are now approaching a long-term solution and that the C-390 is a high-quality platform with great potential for development,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Jonas Wakeman. “Now we are fully Focus on building this absolute core capability as quickly as possible.”
Alternatives to TP84
before making a decision Completely replace the C-130H fleetSweden has been looking for ways to upgrade the aircraft currently in service. However, the upgrade program will temporarily reduce the number of aircraft in operation. Five C-130H (Tp84) and one KC-130H (Tp84T) remain in service, with the oldest aircraft retired a decade ago.
“We decided not to modernize the C-130H because it would mean the fleet would decline for several years during the modification period, which would take six to nine months at a time,” said Major General Edström of the Swedish Air Force at the time. said the chief of staff.
Selection of new aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the two candidates being the C-390 Millennium and C-390 Millennium. C-130J Super Hercules. Brazil is reportedly in talks for potential C-390 sales in 2023, while Lockheed Martin offered the C-130J-30 earlier this year.
“Our H-model C-130s are quite old,” said Brigadier General Tommy Peterson, deputy commander of the Swedish Air Force. “We intend to replace them and I hope a decision will be made soon.” According to Fly around the world The remaining Swedish C-130s are 43 years old, while the KC-130s are 55 years old.
Sweden has now become the eighth country in Europe and the fifth country in Europe to purchase Brazilian-made cargo aircraft after Brazil, Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands. AustriaSouth Korea and the Czech Republic. The acquisition is part of an ongoing modernization process that is revolutionizing the face of the Swedish Armed Forces, a process that began long before joining NATO.
“It's going to be a lot of work for us in the back half of the 2020s because we're replacing almost everything,” Peterson told reporters earlier this year. Other plans include the purchase of 60 Gripen E fighter jets, two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the replacement of NH90s.
Second hand C-130
In 2022, the then Swedish Air Force chief of staff said the service wanted to procure at least four Second-hand C-130J from Italy, as procuring these aircraft was considered a better option than the upgrade programme. Although this news was not officially confirmed by the two countries, there were reports at the time that the Italian government had six C-130s for sale.
“We are purchasing the first two from the Italian Air Force and will modify them at a later stage,” Major General Karl-Johan Edström said in 2022. “We hope to buy six pairs, and the second pair will also come from Italy. So, replace all six C-130Hs with six C-130Js.”
The first two planes are expected to Will be delivered in 2023the fleet update will be completed in 2025. Major General Edström believes that the purchase of the C-130J is a perfect choice: “Buying the C-130J is a great decision. They meet the needs of the Special Forces, Army and Air Force – it is a perfect design for the armed forces.”
C-390 Millennium
this C-390 MillenniumNext-generation military multi-mission aircraft developed by Embraer with exceptional cargo capabilities. The spacious 169 cubic meter compartment can accommodate a variety of payloads including vehicles, cargo on pallets, troops, patients and auxiliary fuel tanks.
The aircraft's versatile design makes it suitable for a variety of missions, from tactical operations to humanitarian assistance. The C-390 can also be quickly configured for aerial refueling, designated KC-390, with two Cobham-produced Wing aerial refueling tank (distortion).
The C-390's rugged structure enables it to operate from semi-prepared and damaged runways, a critical feature harsh environment and war zones, as recent conflicts have demonstrated. It features a long cargo ramp, hydraulic stabilizing struts and a cargo winch for efficient cargo handling.
The KC-390's cargo bay supports roll-off auxiliary fuel tanks and can accommodate up to 3 pallet-type fuel tanks. Each tank can carry 4,000 kilograms of fuel, significantly improving its fuel transfer and storage capabilities. KC-390/C-390 is also available Refueling in flightbecause it can be equipped with a detachable refueling probe installed on the front and upper side of the fuselage.
