The Czech air force will receive its first Embraer KC-390 tactical transport/tanker next year, after Prague signed a two-unit order on 25 October.
“History clearly shows us that the military needs to be able to transport people and heavier cargo over longer distances,” Czech defence minister Jana Cernochova says. “I am therefore very pleased that we have managed to acquire aircraft for our air force that are capable of performing these tasks.”
The Czech government approved the planned order in early October, at which point the nation’s defence ministry said it expected a contract to be signed before the end of November.
“These two NATO-standard aircraft will modernise and enhance the operational capabilities of the Czech air force,” Embraer says. “They will be able to perform a wide range of missions, such as tactical transport of troops, vehicles and equipment, medical evacuation, firefighting, disaster management, humanitarian support, and air-to-air refuelling.”
“With this order, Embraer will reinforce its ties with the Czech aerospace industry, recognised for its expertise and product quality for decades,” says Embraer Defense & Security chief executive Bosco da Costa Junior. He describes Prague’s commitment as “an invaluable mark of confidence for Embraer”.
Previously estimated by the defence ministry as worth Kc11.3 billion ($492 million), the procurement also includes Embraer’s provision of “a comprehensive training and support package for the Czech air force to ensure the smooth integration of the aircraft into its fleet”, the airframer says.
Powered by two International Aero Engines V2500 turbofans, the C/KC-390 has a maximum cargo capacity of 26t, and a maximum speed of 470kt (870km/h).
Already in service with the air forces of Brazil, Hungary and Portugal, the C/KC-390 is also under contract for Austria, the Netherlands and South Korea, with a current total of 40 sold.
The Czech air force’s current transport aircraft fleet includes six Airbus Defence & Space C295 twin-turboprops.
