Concept art of a C-390 transport aircraft embossed with Czech Air Force markings (Embraer)
BELFAST — The Czech Republic and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer have opened negotiations for two C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.
Prague decided to enter talks after completing a market assessment that determined the platform “the most suitable solution for meeting the requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic,” according to an Embraer statement.
The manufacturer said that once an order has been agreed on, the aircraft will be used to carry out air transport, air assault operations, aerial resupply, medical evacuation, humanitarian aid, air-to-air refueling and firefighting.
“A specific step was to start negotiations with the aim of achieving the lowest possible price and at the same time the shortest possible delivery date,” said Jana Cernochova, Czech Republic’s minister of defense, in a translated statement.
The Czech Ministry of Defense added that the country’s army “does not [currently] own a medium- and long-range aircraft with a flight time of at least 12 hours, which would be capable of taking off and landing at airports with unpaved runways.”
It also noted that, “until now we had to rely on our allies” for air transport of supplies, military equipment and personnel.
Alongside the multirole capabilities of the aircraft, the Czech MoD stressed that acquisition requirements include a provision for “protection systems,” so threats during landing and take off in “crisis areas” are reduced.
The move by Prague to enter negotiations comes four months after the C-390 took part in loading and transport tests of Pandur II 8×8 light armored vehicles at Pardubice Airport. At the time, the Czech MoD referred directly to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the catalyst to moving out with a transport aircraft acquisition, aimed at “strengthening” army capabilities.
NATO counterparts Hungary, the Netherlands and Portugal are currently in the process of acquiring the C-390, while neighbor Austria announced in September that it plans on buying a fleet of four.
Czech supplier Aero Vodochody already contributes extensively to the transporter industrial program by producing parts of the rear fuselage, paratrooper and crew doors, emergency doors and hatches, cargo ramps and the fixed leading edge.
Additionally, Embraer and Swedish manufacturer Saab signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April to market the C-390 as the “preferred solution” to meet Swedish Air Force transport requirements and assess the feasibility of integrating Saab systems into the aircraft. The two companies have also agreed to partner on engineering and technical future fighter studies, while supporting future growth of the Gripen E/F fighter jet program out to 2060.
Besides the C-390 deal, Prague moved a significant step closer to acquiring a fleet of 24 F-35 fifth generation fighter jets when it officially approved the deal with the US government and Lockheed Martin in September.
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