View all sections
Reset
News - Defense & Security
Embraer Delivers First C-390 Millennium to Czech Air Force Just 20 Months After Contract Signing
July 16, 2026
· The delivery of this North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standard aircraft marks the beginning of a new era for the Czech Armed Forces
Prague, Czech Republic, July 16, 2026 —Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ/ B3: EMBJ3) has delivered today the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft to the Czech Air Force during an official ceremony held at Prague Kbely Air Base. The event was attended by Jaromír Zůna, Minister of Defense of Czech Republic; General Miroslav Hlaváč, Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces; General Petr Tománek, Commander of Czech Air Force; and Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This delivery comes just 20 months after the signing of the acquisition agreement, highlighting Embraer’s ability to meet its customers’ operational needs.
“The C-390 Millennium provides the Czech Air Force with a significant new airlift capability, enabling us to transport heavy and oversized cargo over long distances while strengthening our support for NATO operations and emergency response at home. While the aircraft itself is a remarkable capability, its true strength lies in our people. Their professionalism and dedication are what enable us to put this capability into service,” said Brigadier General Jaroslav Falta, Commander of the 24th Air Transportation Base.
“Today’s delivery of the first C-390 Millennium marks an important milestone for the Czech Armed Forces. This aircraft significantly enhances our ability to transport personnel, equipment and humanitarian assistance, both in support of national requirements and alongside our NATO allies. The C-390 will strengthen the readiness, flexibility and operational effectiveness of our armed forces for many years to come," said Jaromír Zůna, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.
“We are proud to deliver this first aircraft to the Czech Air Force. The Czech Republic has been a valued partner of the C-390 Millennium program from its outset, contributing meaningfully to the aircraft’s development and success. The program has also benefited from the strong and sustained involvement of Czech industry, whose contribution has been instrumental and will continue to grow alongside the program’s success. With the C-390, the Czech Republic will further strengthen its operational capabilities, and Embraer will stand by your side – today, tomorrow, and for decades to come,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.”
With this first delivery, the Czech Republic joins a growing group of nations operating the C-390 Millennium, reinforcing the aircraft’s position as the new standard in medium tactical airlift.
The C-390 Millennium, built and designed in the 21st century, is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refueling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver.
Besides the Brazilian Air Force, the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania have also selected this multi-mission platform. The C-390 Millennium offers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility, and performance to serve the needs of air forces worldwide with seamless interoperability.
Images: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/56235385-9B70-4603-A0DCDBE9612D4A52/
About Embraer
Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents.
Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year.
Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Previous 
CLOSE
