The Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 17 October 2023 that it has initiated discussions with Brazil’s Embraer regarding the potential acquisition of two C-390 Millennium airlifters.
The Czech decision to start negotiating a C-390 purchase, according to an Embraer 17 October press release, was based on a market assessment and analysis prepared by Czech MoD that identified the C-390 as the most suitable solution for meeting the requirements of the Czech armed forces.
Such an acquisition would significantly augment the Czech Air Force’s airlift capabilities, which currently comprise only twin-turboprob types in the form of six Airbus C295s and four Let L-410s.
The two C-390s would be used for a range of missions, including air transport, air assault operations, aerial resupply, medical evacuation, humanitarian aid flights, air-to-air refuelling and firefighting.
The Millennium, which has a wingspan of 35.05 m, has a maximum payload of 26 tonnes, a maximum cruise speed of 470 KTAS (870 km/h), a ceiling of 36,000 ft and a range with its maximum payload of 2,000 km. When configured with an air-to-air refuelling capability, with the designation KC-390, the Millennium can refuel another KC-390 as well as other aircraft types.
Embraer claims the C-390 requires significantly less maintenance than its competitors, which translates into higher availability rates and lower life-cycle costs.
“We are honoured to be selected by the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces to start negotiating on this significant acquisition and we are ready to provide the most advanced medium transport aircraft available in the market to the Czech Republic,” Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, was quoted as saying. “The C-390 Millennium is drawing the attention of several nations around the world due to its unbeatable combination of high productivity and operating flexibility with low operating costs.”
The negotiations cover the acquisition of two aircraft and associated support – including a complete training solution for pilots, loadmasters, and technicians – as well as spare parts and a robust entry-into-operation plan with a local presence of Embraer personnel in country for an initial period.
With the announcement from Prague the Czech Republic becomes the sixth nation and fourth NATO country in Europe to select the C-390. Brazil has ordered 19 C-390s, Portugal five, Hungary two, the Netherlands five, and Austria four.
The type first entered service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, with the current fleet of six aircraft demonstrating an operational availability of around 80% with a mission completion rate above 99%, according to Embraer.
Czech company Aero Vodochody is already a strategic partner and supplier for the C-390 programme, producing parts for the rear fuselage, the doors for paratroopers and crew, the emergency door and hatches, the cargo ramp, and the fixed leading edge.
