Czech Republic to buy Embraer C-390 tanker-transport aircraft

Czech Air Force C-390 tanker-transport aircraft.

The Czech Ministry of Defense recently announced that it will purchase two Embraer C-390 Millennium transport and tanker aircraft.

These aircraft will enable the Czech Air Force to increase and acquire new capabilities in the transportation of people or materials, firefighting, MEDEVAC and aerial refueling.

According to Defense Minister Jana Černochová, the contract with Embraer is expected to be signed within a few weeks and the first aircraft will be delivered to the Air Force next year.

The Czech Republic will purchase the aircraft on similar terms to other users. The contract will also include the purchase of additional equipment including aerial firefighting devices, a patient transport module and the essential aerial refueling capability.

The contract, worth 11.3 billion Czech crowns (450 million euros), will also include ground equipment, initial supply of spare parts and personnel training.

In addition, the Czech aircraft will be equipped with additional fuel tanks to increase their range, an advanced self-protection system for operations in harsh environments, a FARP fuel delivery system and a search and rescue module as well as a GPS beacon to support Special Forces.

Written by Matteo Sanzani