Czech Republic Sets Eyes on Embraer C-390 for Military Transport

The medium-sized military transport aircraft is capable of carrying a payload of more than 26 tons and flying at 470 knots.

The Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of the Czech Republic want to buy two aircraft to increase their airlift capacity and allow for air transport, aerial resupply, medical evacuations, humanitarian aid, or air assault operations, according to Embraer.

"Negotiations have started with the objective of prospective signing an acquisition contract for two aircraft and associated support, which includes a complete training solution for pilots, loadmasters, and technicians, spare parts, and a robust entry-into-operation plan with a local presence of Embraer personnel in country for an initial period," the company said.

Said Bosco da Costa Júnior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, in a statement: “We are honored to be selected by the ministry of defense and armed forces to start negotiating on this significant acquisition, and we are ready to provide the most advanced medium transport aircraft available in the market to the Czech Republic.”

Upon completion of the deal, the Czech Republic will become the sixth country to have purchased the C-390 for military transport.

Embraer began manufacturing the C-390 in 2014, marketing it as an alternative to the C-130 Hercules. The Brazilian Air Force, which initially ordered 22 aircraft, began operating the C-390 in 2019. Its fleet of six aircraft boast a mission completion rate above 99 percent and an operational availability of around 80 percent, Embraer said.