Following the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purchase of two C-390Ms in 2022, the manufacturer Embraer and the Czech Ministry of Defense (-> report) have now finalized the purchase – only the signatures under the contract were still missing, but according to spokesman Karel Čapek, these should follow this year.
According to reports from Prague, a contract has also been signed with the manufacturer for an industrial investment worth around 75 million euros, involving the state-owned company LOM Praha and the aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody. aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody.
The type decision was preceded by a feasibility study in which two alternatives were considered in addition to the C-390M: the much larger A400M Atlas from Airbus and – as in Austria – the C-130J Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin, which is about the same size. Lockheed Martin.
Large package planned
In addition to the two aircraft in the so-called NATO configuration (-> Hungary also recently had its first C-390M configured accordingly), active air refueling tanks (KC-390), the firefighting module, the intensive MEDEVAC module, additional optional fuel tanks, self-defense systems, including for detecting sources of radio signals, forward-deployable refueling points with diesel pumping equipment to take fuel from mobile fuel cells (FARP), as well as modules for search and rescue and for use in special operations. In addition – it was not specified for how many years – an initial supply of spare parts, ground equipment and training for ground and air personnel and – without specifying the number of units – training systems (simulators).
Rapid initial delivery thanks to takeover of Brazilian slots
Compared to Austria’s planned delivery start in 2028 (Netherlands 2027, -> Austria and the Netherlands are jointly purchasing a total of nine C-390M), it is striking that the first Czech aircraft is already scheduled to arrive next year at the 24th Transport and Special Wing in Praha-Kbely (previously 6x C-295M/MW and 6x L-410). Commenting on this customer request, the company says: “Due to the deteriorating security situation, we need the aircraft as quickly as possible. Thanks to the manufacturer’s friendly approach, it was possible to agree that the Czech Republic could receive the first aircraft as early as next year. Another one in 2027 or 2028.”
The coming year is only likely to turn out well because Embraer has freed up a production slot originally planned for the Brazilian Air Force (FAP) for the Czech Republic. In the course of dealing with the Covid-19 crisis, Brazil reduced the number of aircraft it had ordered from 28 to 19; the seventh aircraft was delivered to the FAP at the end of September.
An advance payment from the Czech Republic, which is already likely to account for more than half of the total cost, apparently also had an accelerating effect. According to the Czech Ministry of Defense, the total price for the aircraft, including the additional services described above, is 11.3 billion crowns (around 450 million euros). This amount also includes an exchange rate reserve. Our neighbors say that this sum is comparable or even better than what other countries would have paid if they had ordered larger quantities.
However, a down payment of eight billion crowns (around 320 million euros) is to be made this year. Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová commented: “I am convinced that we have succeeded in negotiating the most favorable conditions possible. That is why we will be able to receive the first aircraft earlier next year.”
Direct industrial cooperation
The Czech Republic has had a vibrant defense industry since the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and – unlike Austria – also has a vibrant military aviation industry. It is therefore understandable that the government in Prague was keen to involve the relevant national companies in the C-390M deal within the framework of industrial cooperation. The volume now negotiated is 75.3 million euros.
At Aero Vodochody, the projects relate to the expansion of the existing production parts for the C-390M. To date, Aero has already supplied all wing edges, tail fuselage sections, the entire cargo ramp and all aircraft doors and hatches. The new agreement provides for production rates for the components to increase from four sets in 2024 to eight in 2025 and up to twelve in subsequent years, should demand for the C-390M require it. Also mentioned (but not in detail) is a “direct transfer of part of the production to Aero and other Czech suppliers”.
LOM is about ensuring the life cycle of the aircraft, including fleet maintenance and technician training. At the same time, Embraer will cooperate with universities in the Czech Republic in the field of autonomous driving and aircraft.
“Aero Vodochody, LOM Praha and the local universities are essential partners,” said Embraer representative Jose Gustavo, Vice President of Sales and Business Development in Europe and Africa, who is also responsible for Austria. “We look forward to working together and contributing to the growth of the Czech aerospace industry.”
Viktor Sotona, Chairman of the Board and President of Aero Vodochody: “The successful cooperation between Aero and Embraer, which we started in 2011, is constantly deepening. We are the exclusive supplier of many parts of the C-390M and participate in both production and further development. This makes us Embraer’s most important partner in the Czech Republic and one of the most important in Central Europe. We are now reaching a new milestone, making 2024 a turning point for us. This strategic project will have a positive impact on the sustainable development of the entire Czech aviation industry. The effects on employment, the development of innovation, know-how and the strengthening of our position on the global market are also positive.”
Filip Kulštrunk, Executive Vice President of Aero Vodochody added: “The increase of Aero’s share in the C-390M program suggests that the total annual value of deliveries will exceed 700 million crowns (approximately 28 million euros) and will continue to grow in the coming years. I would like to thank the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic and Embraer for their good cooperation and support. Otherwise it would not have been possible to expand the partnership.”
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