The first of two Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft ordered by the Czech Republic has completed its maiden flight at Embraer’s test site in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. This inaugural sortie marks a major step in the customer test and acceptance process ahead of delivery to the Czech Air Force.
The aircraft is configured to NATO standards and designed for a wide range of missions, including tactical and logistical transport, airdrop of cargo and paratroopers, medical evacuation, humanitarian support, disaster relief, and, in the KC-390 variant, aerial refueling. The C-390 is engineered to operate from semi-prepared or damaged runways, enhancing its suitability for expeditionary and austere environments.
Prague signed the acquisition contract for two C-390s on 25 October 2024, covering aircraft, training, spare parts, and initial in-service support. The total program value announced by the Czech Ministry of Defence is 11.3 billion Czech crowns excluding VAT, with specialized sources indicating an indicative unit price close to 125 million dollars. Current planning points to delivery of both aircraft by 2028.
With this order, the Czech Republic becomes the sixth country to select the C-390/KC-390 and the fourth NATO member in Europe to adopt the type, joining Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands. The aircraft will complement existing Czech transport assets and increase national and allied airlift capacity.