The Czech Air Force has received its first Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, marking the beginning of a new era in the development of the country’s military airlift capabilities. The aircraft was officially handed over on July 16 at Prague-Kbely Air Base, just 20 months after the acquisition contract was signed.

The ceremony was attended by Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces General Miroslav Hlaváč, Commander of the Czech Air Force General Petr Tománek, and Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior.

With the delivery of the C-390, the Czech Armed Forces are gaining a significantly enhanced capability to transport heavy and oversized cargo over long distances. The new aircraft is expected to play an important role in national missions, NATO operations, humanitarian assistance and responses to natural disasters and other emergencies.

Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base, said the C-390 brings an entirely new level of airlift capability, while stressing that the aircraft’s operational value ultimately depends on the training and professionalism of the personnel who will operate it.

Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna described the delivery as an important milestone for the country’s armed forces, emphasizing that the new aircraft will improve their ability to transport personnel, equipment and humanitarian aid, while strengthening the country’s readiness, flexibility and operational effectiveness in cooperation with its allies.

The rapid delivery, only 20 months after the contract was signed, is particularly notable at a time when many major defence programmes are facing delays measured in years. Embraer says the short delivery timeframe reflects the maturity of the production programme and the company’s ability to adapt to customer requirements.

The Czech Republic is not merely a customer of the C-390, but has also been involved in the aircraft’s industrial supply chain since the earlier stages of the programme. Czech companies have participated in the development and production of certain aircraft components, while Embraer expects their contribution to grow alongside the programme and future international orders.

The C-390 Millennium was developed as a modern replacement for older medium-sized transport aircraft. It can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo, reach a speed of approximately 470 knots, or around 870 kilometres per hour, and offers greater range and speed than many other aircraft in its category.

Thanks to its large rear cargo ramp and adaptable interior, the C-390 can transport troops, military vehicles, helicopter components, palletized cargo and other equipment. It is also designed for the aerial delivery of personnel and cargo, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions.

The aircraft can operate from temporary, short or unpaved runways, allowing it to serve locations without developed airport infrastructure. When equipped with a rapidly installable air-to-air refuelling system, it can operate as an aerial tanker while also retaining the ability to receive fuel in flight.

The Czech Republic has ordered two C-390 Millennium aircraft, which will modernize its strategic and tactical air transport capabilities. Their introduction is particularly important amid growing NATO requirements for the rapid movement of personnel and heavy military equipment between member states.

The C-390 is already in operational service with the Brazilian, Portuguese and Hungarian air forces, while it has also been selected by the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania. The growing number of orders supports Embraer’s ambition to position the C-390 as the new standard in the medium military transport aircraft category.

With the arrival of the first aircraft in Prague, the Czech Republic joins a growing group of European C-390 operators while gaining a platform fully compatible with NATO standards. The introduction of the aircraft is expected to significantly improve the Czech Armed Forces’ ability to conduct transport and humanitarian operations independently, as well as strengthen their contribution to joint allied missions.