The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic started negotiations with Embraer for the acquisition of two C-390 Millennium military transport aircrafts.
The Brazilian company Embraer and the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic announced the start of negotiations for the possible acquisition of the C-390 Millennium aircraft. The decision to select Embraer’s product for the possible purchase was based on an evaluation and market analysis prepared by the Czech Ministry of Defense, which identified the C-390 as the most suitable solution to meet the requirements of the country’s Armed Forces.
The news takes no one by surprise as in May, Brigadier General Petr Čepelka, head of the Czech Republic Air Force, during an interview to the iROZHLAS newspaper, clearly expressed his predilection for the Millennium.
The Czech Republic intends to acquire two aircraft which will significantly expand its tactical/strategic airlift capability, having to rely for now on its NATO allies for such a mission. With the acquisition of the C-390, the Czech Armed Forces will gain the capability to conduct air assault, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, humanitarian aid and firefighting operations. In addition, the C-390 Millennium requires less maintenance compared to other aircraft, resulting in higher availability and lower costs throughout its operational cycle.
«We are honored by the selection of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces to begin negotiations on this significant acquisition. We are ready to provide the Czech Republic with the most advanced tactical transport aircraft available on the market,» said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. «The C-390 Millennium is attracting the attention of several nations around the world due to its unbeatable combination of high productivity and operational flexibility with low operating costs.»
Moving towards contract signing
Initial negotiations have already begun and include the signing of a contract for the purchase of two aircraft and associated support. The contract also includes a complete training solution for pilots and technicians, the supply of spare parts and a robust commissioning plan with the local presence of Embraer personnel in the country at the beginning of the process.
The Czech Republic is an active partner in the development and production of the C-390 Millennium, with leading Czech aerospace company Aero Vodochody already a strategic partner and supplier to the program, producing parts for the rear fuselage, all fuselage doors, the loading ramp and the fixed leading edge.
See also: Embraer inaugurates first KC-390 Millennium flight simulator
Following this announcement, the Czech Republic becomes the sixth nation and fourth NATO country in Europe to select the C-390, followed by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands and Austria.
