How many machines do we purchase and from which manufacturer?
We want to buy two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft from the Brazilian supplier Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA
Why do we need medium transport aircraft? And why specifically the Embraery C-390?
The Czech army has a long-term need to strengthen its ability to transport heavier and bulkier loads over longer distances or to ensure the transport of people. And even to crisis areas, as the evacuation from Afghanistan or Sudan showed us, for example. C-295 CASA aircraft do not have sufficient range and A-319CJ machines are not equipped with a self-protection system that would ensure their safety in risk areas. They are not even adapted to operate on unpaved airports.
At the same time, the Czech Republic lacks other capabilities, such as firefighting in flight, transporting a large number of wounded or the possibility of refueling in flight. Based on the processed analysis, the most suitable solution for the Army of the Czech Republic is a machine with a transport capacity of 25 tons. The purchased aircraft have a capacity of 27 tons.
The need for medium transport aircraft was underlined by the deteriorating security situation in the world. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased the pressure for the Czech army to acquire the necessary capabilities as soon as possible.
What should the machines be used for?
In addition to the mentioned transport of a larger number of people or heavier and bulkier loads over longer distances, C-390 aircraft can be used for all kinds of airdrops of people, but also for parachute dropping of cargo in containers or on pallets. The machines are also capable of transporting heavier combat equipment.
In addition to aircraft, we also order extensive additional equipment that will enable aircraft to perform tasks of a special nature. It is mainly a module for aerial firefighting in flight. The Czech Republic will thus receive significant help in managing large-scale fires. In recent years, fires have been increasing substantially in Europe and there is a shortage of aerial firefighting capacities.
We are also buying a module for airplanes that will enable in-flight refueling, both in “issue” and “receipt” mode. This is another important capability that the military needs.
The contract also includes a module for transporting patients, including the possibility of placing stretchers for patients requiring intensive care, additional fuel tanks to extend the range, a self-protection system for operations in a dangerous environment (i.e. protection against anti-aircraft guided missiles and systems for detecting sources of radio-technical signals ), FARP fuel dispensing system and module for Search and Rescue operations. The aircraft will also have equipment for transporting passengers to a higher standard and a GPS Repeater for special forces.
What is the subject of the contract?
In addition to the aircraft themselves and the aforementioned modules and special equipment from the manufacturer, we will also receive ground equipment and initial supplies of spare parts, consumables and training equipment. Training of flying and ground personnel will also be carried out as part of the contract. It also includes support during military examinations.
What can the plane carry?
It can transport up to 26 tons of cargo. Alternatively, it can accommodate 80 passengers or 64 fully armed paratroopers. As with all transport machines, the range varies depending on the weight of the transported load. A fully loaded aircraft (26 tons) has a range of 2,000 kilometers, with a load of 23 tons then 2,720 kilometers and with a load of 14 tons 5,020 kilometers. The maximum range is over 6000 km, with additional tanks up to 8000 km.
The Embraer C-390 is also capable of operating at airports with unpaved runways.
What price will the Czech Republic pay for the planes?
The Czech Republic will purchase the aircraft under similar conditions as other allied countries. The price for the planes themselves is comparable to, or even better than, what other countries, which have often ordered larger numbers of planes, have paid, according to the information available, which is subject to trade secrets. In addition to the procurement of the aircraft themselves, the Ministry of Defense is purchasing a number of additional equipment that will enable the full use of the aircraft’s capabilities, which the Czech Republic currently lacks. For example, it is the ability to extinguish from the air, a module for transporting patients or refueling in flight. The contract also includes the procurement of ground equipment, the initial supply of spare parts or the training of personnel. The total price of the contract, including the airplanes themselves and all additional equipment, is 11.3 billion crowns without VAT, and the exchange rate reserve is also included in the amount. “I am convinced that we managed to negotiate the most favorable terms possible,” emphasized Minister Černochová.
This year, we expect an advance payment of eight billion crowns, thanks to which we will receive the first machine next year.
Will industrial cooperation with Czech companies be part of the agreement?
Yes, as with other important contracts awarded to foreign suppliers, our important priority is the involvement of Czech companies. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense discussed industrial cooperation with the manufacturer repeatedly. The state enterprise LOM Praha and the company Aero Vodochody Aerospace will be involved in it.
The involvement of the Czech defense industry is guaranteed by the Industrial Cooperation Agreement, which the Ministry of Defense concluded with the manufacturer on Wednesday, October 2. On the same day, the Brazilian company concluded agreements with the aforementioned Czech companies. The estimated amount of the industrial cooperation program is more than 82.3 million USD. The projects concern the expansion of existing production at the company Aero Vodochody Aerospace and the cooperation of the state-owned company LOM Praha to ensure the life cycle of the purchased aircraft. At the same time, Embraer will cooperate with universities in the Czech Republic in the field of autonomous vehicles and flying.
When will the contract be signed?
We plan to conclude the contract in the coming weeks, which should happen by the end of November.
When will the planes be delivered?
We need the planes as soon as possible due to the deteriorating security situation. Thanks to the friendly behavior of the manufacturer, it was possible to agree that the Czech Republic could receive the first machine as early as next year. Another one in 2027 or 2028.
What options did you consider?
The feasibility study considered two alternatives, namely Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Unfortunately, as the feasibility study is a classified document, we cannot report its conclusions. However, the acquisition of Brazilian Embraer machines turned out to be the most suitable solution for the Army of the Czech Republic.
Which countries operate the Embraer C-390 Millennium?
Brazil and Portugal already have them in service, Hungary has already received the first machine. Austria, the Netherlands and South Korea are also purchasing them, and Sweden is also considering a purchase. Thanks to the fact that the aircraft will also be used by other countries in Central Europe, cooperation is offered, for example, in repairs.
