Czech Air Force interested in getting Embraer C-390 Millennium medium transport aircraft.

The Czech Ministry of Defense announced on October 17, 2023, on its Twitter page, that it had started discussions with Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company, regarding the potential acquisition of the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This decision follows extensive market research and analysis, which identified the C-390 as the ideal solution to meet the diverse needs of the Czech Armed Forces.

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 Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission, medium transport aircraft (Picture source: Embraer)

If the negotiations are successful, the acquisition of the Embraer C-390 Millennium would significantly improve the airlift capabilities of the Czech army in terms of equipment, heavy military equipment, and personnel. Currently, the Czech Republic does not have aircraft with medium and long-range capabilities, a minimum flight duration of 12 hours and the ability to land on airstrips not prepared. This resulted in a reliance on allied forces for these operational needs.

The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission medium military transport aircraft. It stands out for its multi-role functionality that goes beyond transporting goods and personnel. Among its many capabilities are crisis zone evacuations and medical evacuation missions (MEDEVAC). The aircraft is also equipped with an aerial firefighting system, making it a useful asset in fighting large-scale fires. Additionally, it can facilitate various airdrops, both of personnel and cargo, from its deck.

According to the specifications, the C-390 must be equipped with its own protection systems to ensure complete safety during landings and takeoffs in high-risk areas, such as during operations abroad.

The Czech Republic is not the only NATO member state considering the C-390. Hungary and the Netherlands have already started the process of acquiring this aircraft, and neighboring Austria is also considering it. The C-390 is currently in service not only in Brazil, its country of origin, but also in Portugal.

It should be noted that the Czech company Aero Vodochody Aerospace has been involved in the production of components for the Embraer C-390 for several years.

The C-390 is designed to set new standards in its category with its increased mobility, robust design, increased flexibility, and cutting-edge technology. The C-390 Millennium and its variant, the KC-390, offer faster speeds and greater cargo-carrying capacity, making them ideal platforms for major deployment scenarios. Their high reliability and reduced maintenance requirements contribute to exceptional levels of availability and reduced life cycle costs.

The C-390 Millennium is fully operational and has been in service since 2019. The Brazilian Air Force has already deployed it in several critical missions. In Europe, increased interest in this aircraft has been driven by lessons learned from the 2021 Afghanistan evacuations and changing security dynamics on Europe's eastern flank.

This development underlines the Czech Republic's intention to modernize its military capabilities while balancing versatility, security, and operational efficiency. This potential acquisition would not only strengthen the country's defense posture but also align it with NATO's broader objectives.