A year after announcing the selection of the C-390 Millennium, the Czech Republic has finally signed a contract for the acquisition of two multi-role transport aircraft from Embraer.
The agreement was ratified three weeks after the country’s government approved a funding of almost US$ 500 million to order the aircraft.
A NATO member, the Czech Republic intends to use its two C-390s in missions such as tactical transport of troops, vehicles and equipment, medical evacuation, firefighting, disaster management, humanitarian support and aerial refueling.
The country is also a partner of Embraer in the manufacture of the Millennium through Aero Vodochody, a company that manufactures the leading edge of the wings, the cargo ramp, the rear section of the fuselage and the doors of the aircraft and had its contract recently expanded.
The two aircraft will also be supplied with the MAFFS II firefighting system.
“Past and present history clearly shows us that the military needs to be able to transport people and heavier cargo over longer distances. Evacuations from Afghanistan and Sudan are clear evidence of this. I am therefore very pleased that we have managed to acquire aircraft for our Air Force that are capable of performing these tasks,” said Defense Minister Jana Černochová.
“This order from the Czech Republic, a NATO member, is an invaluable mark of confidence for Embraer. It encourages us to implement the best technology to provide our customers with the operational capabilities needed to accomplish the most demanding missions. With this order, Embraer will reinforce its ties with the local Czech aerospace industry, recognized for its expertise and product quality for decades,” said Bosco Da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Embraer still needs to sign an order with South Korea, which intends to purchase three aircraft.
In all, Embraer has 40 orders and purchase intentions for the C-390 Millennium. The company recently included Chile, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates in a presentation to customers of the aircraft.
