Published:01.11.2024
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The Czech Ministry of Defence Signs Contract to Procure 2 Embraer C-390 Millennium Aircraft

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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