PRAGUE, Czech Republic — The Czech Air Force has officially inducted its first Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft during a handover ceremony held at Prague Kbely Air Base on July 16, marking a significant modernization of the country's military airlift capability.
The delivery comes just 20 months after the Czech Republic signed the acquisition agreement in October 2024, reflecting the rapid execution of the procurement program. The aircraft arrived in Czech airspace several days before the ceremony after a ferry flight from Embraer's production facility in Brazil and was escorted by two Czech JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Czech Minister of Defence Jaromír Zůna, Chief of the General Staff General Miroslav Hlaváč, Czech Air Force Commander General Petr Tománek, and Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The Czech Republic ordered two C-390 Millennium aircraft under a contract valued at approximately CZK 11.3 billion (around $508 million or €450 million). The agreement includes pilot and maintenance training, initial spare parts, ground support equipment, air-to-air refueling kits, and the MAFFS II aerial firefighting system. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Expanding Airlift and Multi-Mission Capabilities
The arrival of the C-390 Millennium marks a transition from the Czech Air Force's older and smaller transport aircraft to a modern medium airlift platform capable of supporting a wide range of military and humanitarian missions.
Designed as a next-generation military transport aircraft, the twin-engine C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload, transport 80 troops or 64 fully equipped paratroopers, and reach speeds of up to 470 knots. It is also capable of operating from temporary or unpaved runways, increasing its flexibility during military deployments and disaster response operations.
The aircraft is designed to perform multiple missions using a single platform, including:
- Cargo and troop transport
- Equipment and personnel airdrops
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
- Search and rescue (SAR)
- Humanitarian assistance
- Aerial firefighting using the MAFFS II system
When equipped with its removable air-to-air refueling (AAR) kit, the C-390 can also serve as both an aerial tanker for fighter aircraft and a receiver for in-flight refueling.
Czech Military Highlights Operational Benefits
Minister of Defence Jaromír Zůna described the delivery as an important milestone for the Czech Armed Forces.
He said the aircraft will significantly improve the military's ability to transport personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance while supporting both national missions and operations alongside NATO allies. According to the minister, the new aircraft will enhance the readiness, flexibility, and operational effectiveness of the Czech Armed Forces for years to come.
Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base, where the aircraft will be stationed, said the C-390 provides the Czech Air Force with an important strategic airlift capability.
He noted that the aircraft will enable the transport of heavy and oversized cargo over long distances while strengthening support for NATO missions and emergency response operations within the Czech Republic. Falta also emphasized that the effectiveness of the new capability depends on the professionalism and dedication of Czech Air Force personnel.
Czech Aerospace Industry Plays a Key Role
The C-390 program also strengthens cooperation between Embraer and the Czech aerospace industry.
Czech aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody produces the wing leading edges, rear fuselage sections, cargo ramp, and all aircraft doors for every C-390 built worldwide, making the company an important supplier across the global production line rather than only for aircraft delivered to the Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, state-owned aerospace company LOM Praha will provide in-country maintenance and lifecycle support for the Czech Air Force's C-390 fleet.
Bosco da Costa Junior said the Czech Republic has been an important partner in the C-390 program from its early stages and highlighted the long-term contribution of Czech industry to the aircraft's development and production. He added that Embraer will continue supporting the Czech Air Force throughout the aircraft's operational service.
Growing International Fleet
With the delivery of its first aircraft, the Czech Republic joins a growing group of C-390 Millennium operators and customers that are increasing cooperation in training, maintenance, and logistics.
In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, the aircraft has been selected by Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Uzbekistan.
For the Czech Armed Forces, the introduction of the C-390 Millennium improves interoperability with NATO partners while providing a modern transport aircraft capable of supporting military operations, humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and international deployments. Military officials have also indicated interest in expanding the fleet beyond the current order of two aircraft in the future.
Source : edrmagazine
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