DefenseLithuania postpones Embraer C-390 transport aircraft acquisition until after 2030
Lithuania has decided to postpone the acquisition of new military transport aircraft, including the planned purchase of the Embraer C-390, following a decision by the State Defence Council announced on January 27. The government said the program will be deferred until after 2030 as defense spending is redirected to other priority areas.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, the decision reflects the need to concentrate available financial resources on strengthening air defence, improving firepower and manoeuvre capabilities, supporting military and host-nation infrastructure, developing the domestic defence industry, maintaining stockpiles and sustaining long-term support for Ukraine.
As part of the revised approach, Lithuania will prioritize the modernization of its existing fleet of C-27J Spartan transport aircraft to ensure continued operational capability during the interim period. Air defence has been identified as the top funding priority, alongside the development of the National Division, which is the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ main force structure target through 2030. The plan also includes preparations for the relocation of a German brigade to Lithuania by the end of 2027.
Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said the postponement allows Lithuania to focus on immediate capability gaps while preserving flexibility for the future. He noted that delaying the acquisition could also enable the country to select more technologically advanced aircraft when negotiations resume after 2030.
Multinational procurement program
Lithuania had selected the Embraer C-390 in June 2025, during the Paris Air Show. At the time, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence confirmed plans to acquire three aircraft, a decision that formally opened the acquisition process in line with national legislation.
With the decision, Lithuania is withdrawing from the Netherlands-led multinational procurement program for the C-390. The defense ministry said it remains open to joining similar multilateral initiatives in the future and thanked Dutch authorities for their cooperation during the process.
During the transition period, Lithuania will rely on the upgraded C-27J fleet and NATO cooperation mechanisms to meet its military transport needs. The country also participates in NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability programme, which provides access to long-range strategic transport.
The Lithuanian Air Force currently operates three C-27J Spartan aircraft, built by Alenia Aeromacchi, which are used for troop and cargo transport, training flights, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, VIP transport and other special missions.
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