Lithuania has unveiled plans to procure the Embraer C-390 Millennium, a new-generation military transport aircraft gaining popularity within NATO. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Lithuania’s strategic airlift capacity in response to growing operational demands across the Baltic and Eastern Europe. Three aircraft are expected to be delivered before the end of the decade, replacing the country’s aging fleet of C-27J Spartan transports and representing a major upgrade in capability.
The C-390 Millennium combines higher performance with reduced operating costs, offering greater payload, speed, and mission versatility. It can carry up to 26 tons of cargo—including armored vehicles, helicopters, or palletized supplies—while achieving a cruising speed of 470 knots (870 km/h). With a payload of 23 tons, it has a range of 3,260 kilometers, enabling NATO-standard mobility across multiple theaters. Unlike turboprop predecessors, the jet-powered C-390 provides faster deployment and lower mission risk, while retaining the ability to operate from semi-prepared and unpaved airstrips. This versatility makes it equally valuable for frontline operations and humanitarian relief efforts.
