The acquisition of the C-390 aircraft will thus significantly expand the capabilities of the Czech Air Force, including for missions such as firefighting. The aircraft will also be equipped with self-defence systems for operations in hazardous environments, as well as modules for Search and Rescue missions. The Czech defence industry is also involved in the production of C-390 aircraft.
The Ministry of
Defence has signed a contract with the Brazilian company Embraer to acquire two
medium transport aircraft, the Embraer C-390 Millennium. According to the
Ministry, the purchase of these aircraft “will enhance the capabilities of the
Czech Armed Forces (AČR) and its air force in the areas of personnel and cargo
transport, evacuation, firefighting, and in-flight refuelling.” The Czech government
approved the acquisition at the beginning of October.
The contract was
signed on behalf of the Czech side by the Chief of the Acquisitions Division of
the Ministry of Defence, Lubor Koudelka, and on behalf of Embraer by Chief
Commercial Officer Marcio Eduardo Regis Monteiro and Marketing Director Rubens
A. de Figueiredo Mauad.
"Both past and
recent events clearly demonstrate the army's need for the ability to transport
personnel and heavy cargo over long distances. Evacuations from Afghanistan and
Sudan are clear examples of this. I am therefore very pleased that we have been
able to acquire aircraft for our air force that are capable of carrying out
these missions," commented Defence Minister Jana Černochová regarding the
purchase.
“The order from the
Czech Republic represents another significant milestone for Embraer, confirming
the country’s trust in our top-tier technology for Czech Armed Forces missions
and underscoring the aircraft’s suitability for operations in Europe and within
NATO. Additionally, it strengthens Embraer's collaboration with the Czech
aviation industry, which has been recognised for its expertise and quality
products for decades,” said Embraer’s Marketing Director, Marcio Eduardo Regis
Monteiro.
Currently, the Czech
Armed Forces do not have aircraft capable of, for example, evacuating a large
number of people from crisis zones. The acquisition of the C-390 aircraft will
thus significantly expand the capabilities of the Czech Air Force, including
for missions such as firefighting. The aircraft will also be equipped with
self-defence systems for operations in hazardous environments, as well as
modules for Search and Rescue missions.
The Czech Republic
will have the first aircraft delivered as early as next year. Alongside the
aircraft themselves, Embraer will provide a comprehensive training and support
package to ensure the smooth integration of the C-390 into the Czech Air Force.
The Czech Republic will thus become the fourth NATO country to operate these
aircraft.
Industrial
cooperation is also a key component of the contract. The Ministry of Defence
signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement with Embraer at the beginning of October
this year, with the total value of the programme exceeding USD 82.3 million.
The Czech defence industry is already involved in the production of C-390
aircraft, as the Aero Vodochody Aerospace company manufactures several
components for these aircraft, according to the Ministry.
The C-390 aircraft
can transport up to 26 tonnes of cargo, or alternatively 80 passengers or 64
fully equipped paratroopers. As with other transport aircraft, range varies
based on the weight of the cargo or personnel being transported.
A fully loaded
aircraft has a range of 2,000 kilometres, 2,720 kilometres with a 23-tonne
load, and 5,020 kilometres with a 14-tonne load. Its maximum range is 6,000
kilometres, extendable to 8,000 kilometres with additional fuel tanks. The
aircraft are also capable of operating from unpaved airstrips.
Source: https://www.e15.cz/
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