"Hercules" successor

Procurement of Embraer transport jet moves closer

The purchase of four C-390 transport aircraft (pictured) from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer as a successor to the C-130 "Hercules" is getting closer.(Bild: Bundesheer/Embraer)

The purchase of four C-390 transport aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer as a successor to the ageing C-130 "Hercules" is getting closer. The aircraft will be procured in cooperation with the Netherlands.

The Ministry of Defense told APA that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has now been signed with the Netherlands for the procurement cooperation. This means that the contract negotiations can now be finalized. Austria is to receive four aircraft.

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) let it be known early on that she prefers a so-called government-to-government deal. She described the concept used with Italy for the Leonardo AW169M multi-role helicopters recently procured as a "guideline" for all future procurements.

Letter of intent already signed
Accordingly, Tanner was delighted with the letter of intent that has now been signed. The defence minister emphasized that "a reliable partner" had been found in the Netherlands: "In addition to the more cost-effective procurement of the new transport aircraft, we also have the advantage that we will be able to train our pilots and technicians together in future and work together in the area of maintenance." We will also cooperate on spare parts in the future. All of this was set out in the MoU.

Joint procurement and maintenance
According to the Ministry of Defense, the two countries emphasize the urgent need to replace their C-130 transport aircraft in the 39-page agreement in principle, as well as the joint procurement and synergy effects in the area of training and maintenance. The Netherlands is procuring a total of nine aircraft, four of which are intended for the Austrian Armed Forces, it was reported. The first aircraft could land in Austria as early as 2027.