Embraer has completed a cold weather demonstration campaign for the KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in northern Sweden.
The trials, part of the aircraft’s ongoing world demonstration tour, were conducted at the Vidsel Test Range, one of Europe’s largest military test and evaluation facilities. Operations included short takeoffs and landings on ice-covered surfaces under extreme cold conditions.
During the campaign, crews performed rapid engine and systems startup before conducting short-field operations. The KC-390 also demonstrated its ability to quickly load and deploy heavy vehicles, including SISU GTT military all-terrain vehicles, while retaining cargo space for troops and additional equipment.
The aircraft is already certified for Arctic operations, having completed rigorous cold soak testing in Alaska at temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C). Its full fly-by-wire flight control system automatically adapts when operating in icing conditions, while head-up displays integrated with an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) enable operations from runways in reduced visibility caused by fog, snow and rain.
“The KC-390 Millennium demonstrated once again its versatility and its ability to successfully perform the most demanding missions under the toughest conditions, all with 100% reliability. This next-generation aircraft, which is fully compatible with the Agile Combat Employment concept, represents an unbeatable combination for operations in Northern Europe and the Arctic,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.
The campaign confirmed the aircraft’s compatibility with Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, which NATO air forces are increasingly incorporating into operations planning from dispersed and austere locations.
Powered by two International Aero Engines V2500-E5 turbofan engines, each producing 31,330lb (14,211kgf) of thrust, the KC-390 can carry payloads of up to 57,320lb (26 metric tons) and cruise at approximately 541mph (870km/h). Its 5,970ft³ (169m³) cargo compartment is designed for rapid reconfiguration across mission roles, including troop and cargo transport, aerial refueling, airdrop, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
The aircraft is designed to operate from semi-prepared and damaged runways, and can use soft-field strips as short as 4,000ft (1,219m). Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the in-service fleet has achieved a mission completion rate above 99%, according to Embraer.
Sweden signed a contract for four KC-390s in October 2025 as part of a trilateral procurement framework with the Netherlands and Austria, replacing its aging Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules fleet. The type has now been selected by 11 air forces worldwide, including seven NATO members.
