Czechia has finalized a major acquisition with Brazilian aerospace company Embraer for two C-390 Millennium medium transport aircraft, the country’s defense ministry announced on Friday.
In a press release, the Czech government outlined its desire to enhance the Czech Armed Forces’ air transport capacity, improving its capabilities for cargo transport, personnel evacuation, firefighting, and in-flight refueling. The Czech government approved the contract earlier this month.
Czech defense ministry official Lubor Koudelka signed off on the deal at a ceremony attended by marketing directors of the Brazilian supplier.
Minister of Defense Jana Černochová highlighted the importance of the acquisition, citing recent global crises as evidence of the need for a versatile and robust air transport fleet.
“Evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan have demonstrated the essential need for our military to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment over long distances. These aircraft will provide the Czech Air Force with enhanced operational reach and flexibility,” she stated.
The first C-390 aircraft is expected to be operational by next year, while the second delivery is scheduled for 2027 or 2028. This contract makes the Czech Republic the fourth NATO member to integrate the C-390 Millennium, underscoring the aircraft’s suitability for NATO operations and European missions.
The contract, valued at 11.3 billion crowns (€447.2 million), includes equipment for diverse mission capabilities. The C-390s will enhance Czech forces’ readiness to handle humanitarian missions, firefighting, and search and rescue operations in challenging environments.
An Industrial Cooperation Agreement was also signed between the Czech Ministry of Defense and Embraer to ensure Czech companies are directly involved in the manufacturing process. The agreement deepens Embraer’s existing collaboration with Aero Vodochody Aerospace, a prominent Czech aircraft manufacturer, which supplies key components for the C-390, including the leading edges of wings, doors, cargo ramps, and rear fuselage sections.
“This order marks another important milestone for Embraer and reinforces the Czech Republic’s trust in our advanced technologies. It also highlights the aircraft’s operational effectiveness within NATO,” said Embraer’s Marcio Eduardo Regis Monteiro.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine, medium transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tons of cargo or 80 passengers and has a top cruising speed of 870 km/h. Its range extends from 2,000 kilometers with maximum cargo to 8,500 kilometers with additional fuel tanks, and the aircraft can operate from unpaved airstrips, enhancing its versatility in remote or emergency settings.
