The Ministry of National Defense of Lithuania has announced that the Embraer C-390 Millennium has been chosen as country’s next-generation military transport aircraft.
In a statement, published on June 18, 2025, Embraer announced that this decision marks a “significant step in enhancing Lithuania’s operational readiness and interoperability within NATO countries (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and paves the way for the acquisition process according to national legal procedures and legislation.”
The number of aircraft ordered was not specified. According to the minister, the choice was determined not only by the aircraft’s technical capabilities, but also by the speed of delivery.
“By acquiring new-generation military aircraft, we also gain a strategic troop transfer capability, which is sorely lacking among NATO allies in Europe,” said Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė. “New military aircraft will allow us to move our troops and equipment faster, further, and more economically, while at the same time strengthening the Alliance’s overall deterrence potential.”
The aircraft is expected to complement the Lithuanian Air Force’s current fleet of C-27J Spartans and provide enhanced capability for strategic troop and cargo transport. It will also improve the country’s contribution to NATO missions and collective deterrence efforts in the region.
