The Czech Ministry of Defense has confirmed its intention to purchase two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, marking a significant enhancement in the operational capabilities of the Army of the Czech Republic.
The acquisition, valued at €446 million, will provide the military with new capacities in air transport, firefighting, evacuation and aerial refueling, addressing long-standing needs for medium transport aircraft.
“The Army of the Czech Republic has a long-term need to strengthen its ability to transport heavier and bulkier loads over longer distances or to ensure the transport of people from crisis areas,” Defense Minister Jana Černochová explained, adding that the deteriorating security situation worldwide underlines the need to acquire these aircraft as soon as possible. The first of the two aircraft is expected to be operational as early as next year.
The C-390 Millennium aircraft, developed by the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer, will significantly enhance the ability of the Czech military to transport heavy equipment, evacuate people from crisis areas, and support international military and humanitarian operations.
“Recent evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan highlighted the need for enhanced airlift capabilities,” Černochová added.
Currently, the Czech Air Force operates a fleet of smaller transport aircraft, namely six CASA C295M and four homegrown Let L-410 Turbojets.
Additional capabilities and equipment
The C-390 Millennium is powered by two Pratt & Whitney V2500-E5 engines. It offers a substantial cargo capacity of 26 tons and is specifically engineered for takeoff and landing on semi-prepared and unpaved airfields.
Beyond basic transport functions, the Czech C-390 will come equipped with extensive additional modules to meet a variety of operational needs. These include aerial firefighting capabilities, in-flight refueling, patient transport systems, and search and rescue equipment. The aircraft will also feature additional fuel tanks for extended range, a self-protection system for dangerous environments, and advanced systems for special forces operations.
The procurement package includes ground equipment, an initial supply of spare parts and personnel training, ensuring the Czech military is fully prepared to utilize the aircraft’s capabilities.
Industrial cooperation agreement with Embraer
An integral part of the deal is the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) between the Czech Ministry of Defense and Embraer, which will involve local industry in the production and maintenance of the C-390 Millennium. The agreement, worth over €74 million, is set to benefit Czech companies Aero Vodochody Aerospace and LOM Praha.
Aero Vodochody has been involved in the C-390 program since its inception in 2011. The company produces various aircraft components, including the rear fuselage, doors, cargo ramp and leading edges. This new agreement will expand Aero Vodochody’s role, increasing the number of parts manufactured in the Czech Republic and boosting local job creation.
LOM Praha, a state-owned maintenance company, will be responsible for the life cycle management of the C-390 aircraft, thereby gaining valuable expertise in maintaining new-generation military transport planes.
“This is a major opportunity for LOM Praha to acquire significant expertise and strengthen its position in the global aerospace sector,” said Jiří Protiva, CEO of LOM Praha.
