Czech Republic Orders Two Embraer C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Aircraft

The C-390 community is expanding rapidly, as new customers sign up for their own aircraft.

https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/c-390-user-group-expands/ The Czech Republic has now taken another step on the journey to getting the aircraft in service.

On 25 October 2024, the Czech Ministry of Defense (MoD) formally signed a contract for the acquisition of two Embraer KC/C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft – having announced that the CZK 11.3 billion (US $493 million) contract was in place on 2 October.

In addition to the aircraft, Embraer will provide a comprehensive training and support package for the Czech Air Force to ensure the smooth integration of the aircraft into its fleet. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2025, and will augment the air force’s six Airbus C295M/MW and five Let L-410 Turbolet tactical airlifters. The C-390 contract will strengthen the Czech Air Force but will also positively impact the local aerospace industry, which will see a significant increase in its share of production for the programme. Jana Černochová, the Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic has previously said that the deal includes a US $82.3 million offset package for Czech industry.

The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Brazilian manufacturer had originally announced the selection decision in October 2023 to meet its future air-to-air refuelling and fixed-wing medium-lift transport requirements. The C-390 has a 26-tonne payload, a top speed of 470 knots, state-of-the-art systems and the ability to operate from unpaved runways, as well as a large cargo hold with a rear ramp, and robust landing gear allow it to handle the most demanding missions, including operations from unpaved runways. The aircraft will modernize and enhance the operational capabilities of the Czech Air Force and will be able to perform a wide range of missions, including the tactical transport of troops, vehicles, and equipment, and air-to-air refuelling. They will also be used for aeromedical evacuation, firefighting, disaster management, and humanitarian support.

Defence Minister Jana Černochová said: “Past and present history clearly shows us that the military needs to be able to transport people and heavier cargo over longer distances. Evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan are clear evidence of this. I am therefore very pleased that we have managed to acquire aircraft for our Air Force that are capable of performing these tasks.”

Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said that: “This order from the Czech Republic, a NATO member, is an invaluable mark of confidence for Embraer. It encourages us to implement the best technology to provide our customers with the operational capabilities needed to accomplish the most demanding missions. With this order, Embraer will reinforce its ties with the local Czech aerospace industry, recognized for its expertise and product quality for decades.”