BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 21. The Ministry of
National Defence of Lithuania has officially launched negotiations
to procure the next generation of military transport aircraft,
selecting the Embraer C-390 Millennium as the top choice following
an extensive evaluation of offers from three leading aviation
manufacturers, Trend reports.

The selection of the C-390 Millennium, manufactured by Brazil’s
Embraer Defense & Security, is based on the aircraft’s superior
alignment with Lithuania’s operational, environmental, and economic
requirements. It will complement and enhance the Lithuanian Air
Force’s existing fleet of C-27J Spartans, significantly boosting
Lithuania’s airlift capacity and NATO interoperability.

“This is not just a purchase of modern airframes—it’s a
strategic investment in NATO’s collective defense,” said Minister
of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė. “Lithuania needs an aircraft
capable of carrying heavy payloads across long distances, with full
compatibility with NATO standards. The C-390 meets these demands
while also supporting rapid deployment and crisis response
missions.”

The aircraft was chosen based on several critical factors:
operational performance, delivery timelines, environmental impact,
fuel efficiency, noise reduction, and the manufacturer’s
willingness to engage in industrial cooperation with Lithuania’s
defense and academic sectors. The deal is expected to bring
industrial benefits to the local economy and support the
development of Lithuania’s defense industry.

Key capabilities of the C-390 include:

Payload capacity of up to 23 tons

Maximum speed of 870 km/h

Operational range of ~2,500 km with full load; over 7,000 km
unladen

Multi-role features: mid-air refueling, search and rescue,
firefighting, aerial reconnaissance, and more

Lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental footprint
thanks to ICAO-compliant Pratt & Whitney engines

Maintenance cycles compatible with civilian aircraft, reducing
long-term costs

In addition to technical performance, the aircraft can be
delivered within three years—crucial timing given today’s
geopolitical climate and the growing need for rapid-response
capabilities.

“We need to be ready—not in a decade, but within a few years,”
Minister Šakalienė emphasized, referencing recent evacuations of
Lithuanian nationals from conflict zones.

Lithuania will join an expanding group of NATO nations—including
the Netherlands and Portugal—already operating or planning to
acquire the C-390 Millennium. Countries such as Slovakia, Austria,
Hungary, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are also preparing to add
the aircraft to their fleets.

Currently, the Lithuanian Air Force operates three Italian-made
C-27J Spartans used for troop transport, medical missions, and VIP
travel. The C-390 will not only support but significantly expand
this operational capacity.