The government of the Czech Republic announced today its decision to acquire two units of Embraer’s C-390 as its new military transport aircraft.
The deal represents a significant milestone for Embraer as it expands into the European market. The Czech Republic becomes the fifth European nation and the third within NATO to select the C-390 for their military requirements.
This decision comes shortly after Austria also opted for the C-390 Millennium, indicating a growing demand for this advanced aircraft, which is positioned as a potential replacement for Lockheed Martin’s Hercules C-130s.
Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force made a partnership to develop the C-390 aircraft, regarded as having cutting-edge equipment. Charles Atkeison of Avgeekery Magazine has described it as a potential game-changer in military air transportation due to its impressive capabilities. This model can transport up to 80 troops, three tanks, or a single Black Hawk H-60 helicopter.
The Czech Defense Ministry conducted an assessment and determined that the Embraer C-390 Millennium aligns best with the country’s military needs. This aircraft will enable the Czech military to perform various operations, including aerial assaults, air-to-air refueling, medical evacuations, humanitarian aid, and firefighting.
Notably, the C-390 Millennium boasts lower maintenance requirements compared to competitors, resulting in increased operational availability and reduced long-term costs.
Collaboration between Embraer and Czech company Aero Vodochody, which supplies various components for the C-390, was a significant factor influencing the decision.
The C-390 project had Brazil as its initial customer, with the Brazilian Air Force initially purchasing 19 units. Currently, six C-390s are in operation, including their role in repatriating Brazilian citizens during the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Amid the war in Ukraine and heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, the world is going on a military spending spree. The Czech Republic has announced its intention to increase its military spending from 1.3 to 2 percent of its gross domestic product, in line with NATO’s recommended target.
Sweden is the next European nation in line to acquire the C-390, with negotiations linked to an addendum to Brazil’s contract for the purchase of 36 Gripen fighter jets. This arrangement could see Stockholm acquiring up to four C-390s while expanding the Brazilian Air Force’s fleet to 50 aircraft without the need for a new negotiation.
Embraer continues to attract international customers, including Austria (up to five units), Portugal (five aircraft), Hungary (two), and the Netherlands (five). In April, the company also announced the launch of an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in NATO configuration, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of European nations.
The Czech Republic’s decision is a significant endorsement of Embraer’s C-390 as a versatile and cost-effective military transport solution, solidifying its position in Europe’s evolving security landscape.
Search
