Czechs hold KC-390 demonstration but keep future medium airlift options open
KC-390 with Pandur II 8x8 armoured vehicle in a recent demonstration at Pardubice Airport, Czech Republic. (Photo: Czech MoD)
The Czech Republic is looking to procure more military transport aircraft.
Embraer has demonstrated its KC-390 multirole transport aircraft in the Czech Republic, as the European country explores its options for future medium airlift procurement.
Czech defence minister Jana Černochová attended a ‘non-binding’ ground and flight demonstration of the Brazilian aircraft at Pardubice Airport, the MoD announced on 6 June, adding that Prague has ‘no obligations at this time’ to buy it.
The demonstration included loading and unloading a Pandur II 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle.
The KC-390 can function as a conventional airlifter or as an air-to-air refuelling platform. The Czech Air Force currently lacks the latter capability, although it operates six Airbus C295s for tactical airlift.
Embraer sold two KC-390s to neighbouring Hungary in November 2020, and the Czech MoD acknowledged that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the security environment in the world and emphasised the need to implement large-scale defence modernisation projects.
‘One such project will be the modernisation of a squadron of transport aircraft,’ the MoD added. ‘The demonstration of the Embraer KC-390 is one of the steps to find out what the current transport market has to offer.’
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme]()
Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has successfully completed the first flight of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) programme, an effort to upgrade the type's capabilities for the future battlespace.
-
![PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq]()
PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq
China's aerospace industry continues to develop and sell advanced UAVs both at home and on the international market and has displayed UCAVs at the China Helicopter Exhibition in Tianjin.
-
![Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability]()
Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability
The USAF has selected Northrop Grumman to develop and test the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a new air-to-ground weapon system, for fifth-generation aircraft and beyond.
-
![India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order]()
India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order
India will order a dozen extra Su-30 fighters from Russia, these to be assembled by HAL within India.
-
![Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery]()
Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery
Adjustments to an existing contract aims to facilitate the continued development and operational use of Gripen C/D aircraft beyond 2030, in parallel with the introduction of the Gripen E next-generation fighter.
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the timeless helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender on the modern battlefield
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the workhorse of many armies and air forces in the 2020s.
