First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage

First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage
First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage

Embraer aircraft destined for the Czech Air Force received its final paintwork in Confins and marks a new stage in the modernization of the European country’s military transport fleet.

Embraer presented the first C-390 Millennium destined for the Czech Air Force already in its final paint scheme, drawing attention for an unusual three-tone gray camouflage. The visual scheme differs from the standard adopted by most operators of the Brazilian military transport aircraft, which usually use more traditional, monochromatic or two-tone paint schemes.

The aircraft, identified by serial number 0520 and s/n 39000020, was painted at GOL Aerotech’s technical maintenance center at Confins International Airport, in Minas Gerais. According to information released by the 24th Transport Aviation Base Prague-Kbely, each line of the camouflage was designed to reinforce the aircraft’s military character, making it one of the symbols of the new generation of Czech air transport.

First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage
First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage

The Czech Republic selected the C-390 in October 2023, after evaluating the model as the most suitable solution for its medium military transport needs. The contract for the purchase of two aircraft was signed in October 2024, as part of a package that includes training, support and integration of the aircraft into the Czech fleet.

The C-390 can transport troops, vehicles and heavy cargo, as well as carry out medical evacuation, humanitarian aid, firefighting and aerial refueling missions. The Czech Ministry of Defense says the arrival of the model will significantly expand the country’s Air Force capabilities, including in crisis operations and civilian evacuation missions.

The three-tone gray camouflage gives the transport aircraft a more aggressive and operational appearance, different from the more discreet finish seen on other C-390s already delivered to international customers. The Czech base itself described the pattern as a way to highlight the aircraft’s identity and its role as a symbol of a new phase for the country’s military aviation.

First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage
First Czech C-390 appears in Brazil with unprecedented three-tone gray camouflage

The arrival of the first C-390 at the Prague-Kbely base was expected between the end of June and the beginning of July 2026. Czech pilots, ground technicians and crew members underwent training in Brazil, including activities at Embraer centers and preparation for operation, maintenance and use of the cargo cabin.

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Source and images: Facebook / 24.základna dopravního letectva Praha-Kbely @lzkbely. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.

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