Airbus Military has signed a deal to provide the Czech Republic with four C-295 transports.

To replace the Czech Republic air force's remaining five Antonov An-26s, the tactical transports will be delivered between the end of this year and late 2010, says Airbus Military.

Announced on 13 May, the deal also includes a logistics support agreement, the company adds.

 C-295 Czech
© Airbus Military

The C-295 is built alongside smaller CN-235 transports on a new assembly line at the Airbus Military (formerly EADS Casa) San Pablo site near Seville, Spain.

Current capacity is for a combined 24 aircraft a year, although the facility could sustain an increase to 35, Airbus Military says. It is currently building C-295s for Portugal, including the first of the type to be equipped as a maritime patrol aircraft.

Source: Flight International