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C-390
The Czech government is set to sign a contract to purchase Embraer’s C-390 Millennium in November, becoming the fifth European nation to formally acquire the aircraft.
Czech ministers approved spending 11.3 billion Czech koruna ($490 million) for a pair of C-390s on Oct. 2, a year after selecting the Brazilian-made aircraft.
Defense Minister Jana Černochová said the need to acquire a new medium-sized airlifter was increasingly underlined by the deteriorating global security situation, noting evacuation missions from Afghanistan and Sudan.
As well as the aircraft and associated equipment, the Czech contract will include a Modular Aerial Fire Fighting System so that the aircraft can be employed to fight wildfires. An aerial refueling capability will also allow the Czech Air Force to refuel its Saab Gripens, albeit not its future fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35s. Prague is also purchasing a medical evacuation capability for the aircraft, an auxiliary fuel tank system to extend its range and a self-defense suite for both aircraft.
Delivery of the first aircraft will take place next year, Černochová said. The second will follow in 2027 or 2028.
The program will also bring benefits to Czech industry worth more than $80 million, officials said.
Embraer’s relations with Czech aircraft maker Aero Vodochody will deepen with an increase in the Czech company’s share in production of the C-390 through a contract amendment.
Aero Vodochody already manufactures the C-390’s wing leading edges, rear fuselage sections, cargo ramps and all aircraft doors. The new agreement will see production rates for the components grow from four sets in 2024 to eight in 2025 and up to 12 sets in the following years, should C-390 demand require it. Embraer has also secured C-390 orders from Austria, the Netherlands and South Korea, with more contracts expected to follow.
Export customer Portugal has already taken delivery of two C-390s, while the first of two aircraft destined for Hungary has also been delivered.
“This strategic project has a positive impact on the sustainable development of the entire Czech aviation industry, which Aero represents,” said Viktor Sotona, chairman and president of Aero Vodochody. “The effect on employment, the development of innovations, know-how and the strengthening of our position on the global market is also positive.”
Embraer has also signed a cooperation agreement with Lom Praha, the state-owned organization that trains Czech pilots and maintains much of the Czech Air Force fleet. The deal could pave the way for Lom Praha to train technicians for the C-390.
The OEM will also cooperate with Czech Republic universities in the field of autonomous systems, Czech defense officials said.
“Aero Vodochody, LOM Praha and the local universities are essential partners,” said Jose Gustavo, vice president for sales and business development at Embraer Defense and Security for Europe and Africa. “We look forward to working together while contributing to the growth of the Czech aerospace industry.”
Prague had studied the Airbus A400M and Lockheed Martin C-130J in addition to the C-390, but concluded the Embraer aircraft were the “most suitable solution” for the Czech Air Force.
Once in service, they will serve alongside Airbus A319s and C295s currently in Czech Air Force service.
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