Embraer has delivered the first C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft to the Czech Air Force, just 20 months after the acquisition contract was signed. The handover ceremony took place on 16 July at Prague Kbely Air Base and marks the beginning of the type’s operational service in the Czech Armed Forces.
The aircraft was officially received in the presence of Czech Minister of Defence Jaromír Zůna, Chief of the General Staff General Miroslav Hlaváč, Czech Air Force Commander General Petr Tománek and Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior.
According to the Czech Air Force, the C-390 will significantly enhance the country’s strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base, said the aircraft would enable the transport of heavy and oversized cargo over long distances while strengthening support for NATO operations and domestic emergency response missions.
Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna described the delivery as an important milestone for the Czech Armed Forces, saying the aircraft would improve the transport of personnel, equipment and humanitarian aid while increasing the military’s readiness, flexibility and operational effectiveness.
Embraer highlighted the rapid delivery schedule as evidence of its ability to meet customer requirements. The Brazilian manufacturer also underlined the Czech Republic’s long-standing involvement in the C-390 programme, noting that Czech industry has contributed to the aircraft’s development and production from the outset.
With the delivery, the Czech Republic becomes the latest operator of the C-390 Millennium, joining Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Designed as a next-generation medium transport aircraft, the C-390 Millennium can carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes and combines high speed with long-range capability. The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airborne operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting and humanitarian relief. It can also operate from semi-prepared and unpaved airstrips and can be configured as either an aerial refuelling tanker or receiver.
The growing number of international operators further strengthens the C-390 Millennium’s position as one of the leading medium tactical airlift platforms available to NATO and partner nations.
