Czech Air Force to Acquire Two Embraer C-390 Millennium Transport Aircraft

The Czech Ministry of Defense has confirmed the purchase of two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Czech Armed Forces. These aircraft will be used for transporting personnel and equipment, firefighting operations, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling. The contract is expected to be finalized within the coming weeks, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery next year.500 million euros annually.

The C-390 Millennium is a versatile military transport aircraft developed by Embraer, designed to meet the modern demands of air forces worldwide. It offers great operational flexibility, enabling it to carry out a wide range of missions such as cargo transport, air-to-air refueling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid. Equipped with advanced technology, including fly-by-wire systems and modern avionics, the C-390 can transport heavy combat vehicles weighing up to 26 metric tons and operate from semi-prepared or damaged runways. Its ability to be rapidly reconfigured in under three hours makes it highly adaptable to various operational needs.

First introduced in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has been adopted by several countries, including Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary. Its performance and reliability are enhanced by the integration of commercial-grade systems, which make it easier to maintain and reduce its life-cycle costs. The aircraft is also capable of air-to-air refueling and is equipped with advanced defensive systems, ensuring its survivability in hostile environments.

Currently, the Czech Armed Forces lack sufficient means to evacuate large numbers of people from crisis zones or transport troops and heavy equipment over long distances. Defense Minister Jana Černochová highlighted the long-term need for the Czech military to improve its transport capabilities, especially for heavy and bulky cargo, as demonstrated by the evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan. She also pointed out that the deteriorating global security situation has made the rapid acquisition of medium-capacity transport aircraft imperative. Černochová expressed satisfaction with the upcoming delivery of the first aircraft, which will enhance the strategic mobility of the Czech forces.

The Czech Republic will purchase the C-390 aircraft under terms similar to those of other allied countries. The price of the aircraft is comparable, and in some cases even more favorable, than what other countries have paid, many of which have ordered larger numbers of planes, according to confidential information. In addition to the aircraft, the Ministry of Defense is acquiring several additional systems, including firefighting capabilities, patient transport modules, and air-to-air refueling systems. The contract also includes ground equipment, spare parts, and personnel training. The total cost of the order, including the aircraft and additional equipment, amounts to CZK 11.3 billion (excluding VAT), with a currency reserve included. Minister Černochová expressed confidence that the most favorable conditions were negotiated.

These aircraft are capable of transporting heavier military equipment, and the contract includes numerous additional systems. These include an aerial firefighting module, which will enable the aircraft to assist in large-scale firefighting efforts. The contract also includes an air-to-air refueling module, a patient transport module with the ability to install stretchers for intensive care patients, additional fuel tanks to extend the aircraft’s range, a self-protection system for operations in hostile environments, a FARP refueling system, and a search and rescue module. The aircraft will also be equipped for improved passenger transport and a GPS repeater for special forces operations.

A crucial element of this acquisition is the significant involvement of Czech defense industry companies. This is ensured by an industrial cooperation agreement signed today by Radka Konderlová, head of the Ministry of Defense’s industrial cooperation section, and representatives of the manufacturer. The estimated value of the industrial cooperation program exceeds $82.3 million. This program includes the expansion of production at Aero Vodochody Aerospace and collaboration with the state-owned company LOM Praha to manage the lifecycle of the purchased aircraft. Embraer will also collaborate with Czech universities in the fields of autonomous vehicles and aviation.