The Ministry of Defence will acquire two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. These aircraft will provide the Czech Army with new capabilities for transporting people or materials, fighting large fires, evacuating the wounded, or refueling. Defence Minister Jana Černochová informed the government about the order today. The contract with the Brazilian manufacturer is expected to be finalized within a few weeks, and the first aircraft will be available to the military next year. We have repeatedly reported on CZ DEFENCE about the need to expand the capacity of the Air Force's transport aviation.   

The Czech Army currently lacks aircraft capable of evacuating a large number of people from crisis areas or transporting soldiers and their equipment into such regions. "The Army of the Czech Republic needs to enhance its ability to transport heavier and bulkier loads over longer distances, or to evacuate people from crisis areas in the long term. This was clearly demonstrated during the evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan," Minister Černochová noted. She also emphasized that the deteriorating global security situation has highlighted the urgent need to acquire medium transport aircraft. "Therefore, I am pleased that we will receive the first aircraft next year," the minister said.

The Czech Republic will acquire the aircraft on terms similar to those of other allied countries. The price of the aircraft, according to commercially confidential information, is comparable to or even more favorable than what other countries—often purchasing larger numbers of aircraft—have paid. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the Ministry of Defence is purchasing a range of additional equipment to fully utilize the aircraft's capabilities, which the Czech Republic currently lacks. This includes an aerial firefighting capability, a patient transport module, and in-flight refueling capabilities. The contract also covers ground equipment, an initial supply of spare parts, and personnel training. The total cost of the contract, including the aircraft and all additional equipment, is CZK 11.3 billion excluding VAT, which includes a currency exchange reserve. "I am convinced that we have secured the most favorable terms possible," emphasized Minister Černochová.

The aircraft are capable of carrying heavier combat equipment. As mentioned earlier, the contract includes a significant amount of additional equipment. This includes a module for aerial firefighting, enabling the aircraft to assist the integrated rescue system in combating large-scale fires. The Ministry is also acquiring an in-flight refueling module, a patient transport module with space for patients requiring intensive care, additional fuel tanks for extended range, a self-protection system for hazardous environments, a FARP (Forward Arming and Refueling Point) fuel dispensing system, and a module for search and rescue operations. The aircraft will also be equipped with enhanced passenger-carrying equipment and a GPS repeater for special forces.

A critical aspect of the project is the significant involvement of Czech defense industry companies. This involvement is guaranteed by the Industrial Cooperation Agreement signed today by Radka Konderlová, Chief Director of the Industrial Cooperation Section, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, and representatives of the manufacturer. The estimated value of the industrial cooperation program is more than USD 82.3 million. The projects focus on expanding production at Aero Vodochody Aerospace and ensuring cooperation with the state enterprise LOM PRAHA to maintain the lifecycle of the acquired aircraft. Embraer will also collaborate with Czech universities in the fields of autonomous vehicles and aviation.

In addition to the Embraer C-390 Millennium, the Ministry of Defence considered two other options during the feasibility study: the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.