Embraer has delivered the first C‑390 Millennium multi‑mission transport aircraft to the Czech Air Force during an official ceremony held at Prague Kbely Air Base.
“The C-390 Millennium provides the Czech Air Force with a significant new airlift capability, enabling us to transport heavy and oversized cargo over long distances while strengthening our support for NATO operations and emergency response at home. While the aircraft itself is a remarkable capability, its true strength lies in our people. Their professionalism and dedication are what enable us to put this capability into service,” Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base, Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, indicated.
The event was attended by Minister of Defense of Czech Republic, Jaromír Zůna; Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, General Miroslav Hlaváč; Commander of Czech Air Force, General Petr Tománek; and President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior.
This delivery comes just 20 months after the signing of the acquisition agreement.
“Today’s delivery of the first C-390 Millennium marks an important milestone for the Czech Armed Forces. This aircraft significantly enhances our ability to transport personnel, equipment and humanitarian assistance, both in support of national requirements and alongside our NATO allies. The C-390 will strengthen the readiness, flexibility and operational effectiveness of our armed forces for many years to come," Zůna highlighted.
According to Embraer, the C-390 Millennium can carry a payload of 26 tons and fly at a top speed of 470 knots. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways.
The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver, Embraer claims.
“We are proud to deliver this first aircraft to the Czech Air Force. The Czech Republic has been a valued partner of the C-390 Millennium program from its outset, contributing meaningfully to the aircraft’s development and success. The program has also benefited from the strong and sustained involvement of Czech industry, whose contribution has been instrumental and will continue to grow alongside the program’s success. With the C-390, the Czech Republic will further strengthen its operational capabilities, and Embraer will stand by your side – today, tomorrow, and for decades to come,” da Costa Junior stated.
Besides the Brazilian Air Force, the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania have also selected this multi-mission platform.