Brazil’s aerospace giant Embraer is making big moves in Europe, and Lithuania is the latest hotspot. After Lithuania picked Embraer’s C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft this June, the two sides are now diving deep into a long-term industrial partnership.
What does that mean? Not just aircraft deliveries, but a full-scale collaboration that includes Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), engineering, supply chain, and cutting-edge innovation.
From Brazil to the Baltics: Embraer’s European Expansion
Over the past few weeks, Embraer’s top experts have been touring Lithuania, shaking hands with local companies, and scoping out facilities. The goal? Build a defense ecosystem in Lithuania that isn’t just about buying planes—it’s about building, maintaining, and innovating together.
Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, put it plainly:
“We’re not just delivering the C-390 Millennium; we’re here to support Lithuania’s defense industry, boost local tech, and create long-lasting industrial partnerships.”
This is part of Embraer’s wider European strategy. Over 40% of the C-390’s parts already come from European suppliers. Embraer has recently set up joint projects in Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, and Sweden, and their new Embraer Defense Europe HQ in Lisbon is rapidly becoming a hub for EU-NATO collaboration.
Lithuania’s Defense Gets a Modern Edge
For Lithuania, teaming up with Embraer is more than just a business deal—it’s a step towards building a self-sufficient defense industrial base. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy are pushing hard to integrate education, research, and defense industries, aiming to future-proof the country’s security landscape.
With the C-390 Millennium, Lithuania joins a growing club of NATO nations modernizing their air forces with this beast of an aircraft. Known for its speed, payload muscle, and versatility, the C-390 is tailor-made for Europe’s challenging environments—from unpaved airstrips to rapid-response humanitarian missions.
C-390 Millennium: The Ultimate Workhorse
The C-390 isn’t just a cargo plane. It’s a Swiss Army knife of military aviation. It can:
- Transport troops and heavy cargo
- Conduct medical evacuations and search & rescue missions
- Fight wildfires and deliver humanitarian aid
- Refuel other aircraft mid-air (as a KC-390)
With a proven mission success rate of 99%, this aircraft has been turning heads since it entered service in 2019.
What’s Next?
The partnership is expected to roll out in phases, starting with setting up MRO hubs in Lithuania, integrating local companies into Embraer’s global supply chain, and possibly establishing a C-390 Training Center in the region. It’s a win-win for both sides: Lithuania strengthens its defense ecosystem, while Embraer locks in its footprint across Europe.
