WARSAW, Poland — Slovakia has taken significant steps toward enhancing its military capabilities by signing a memorandum of understanding with Brazil that paves the way for the potential acquisition of four Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This development was announced by Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák during an official government visit to Brazil.
During his discussions with Brazilian Minister of Defense José Múcio, Kaliňák not only highlighted the possible purchase of the C-390 transport aircraft but also presented Slovakia’s interest in procuring Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers. These howitzers, manufactured by the Slovak company Konštrukta Defence, are built on a four-axle Tatra wheeled chassis and are recognized for their advanced capabilities.
Kaliňák emphasized the complementary strengths of both countries, noting that their respective industrial capabilities could lead to fruitful collaborations. He stated, “I think that both the Brazilian and Slovak industrial bases can offer a huge amount of experience, what we are strong in, what we are good at.” Furthermore, Brazilian officials expressed interest in Slovakia’s expertise in ammunition production, signaling potential areas for future cooperation.
The C-390 Millennium has been well-received internationally, with its base model priced at approximately €80 million ($84 million). However, depending on the configuration and added equipment, the costs can escalate significantly. Previous orders from other nations indicate that some countries have paid up to €220 million for customized versions. Notably, in September 2023, Austria announced the procurement of four C-390s to replace its aging fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft, a venture valued at over €500 million. The Czech Ministry of Defense also moved forward in October 2024, signing a deal for two C-390s, making it the fifth NATO member to procure the aircraft.
In addition to the C-390 deal, Brazil had previously committed to purchasing 36 ATMOS 2000 self-propelled howitzers from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems. However, this procurement has faced delays due to President Inazio “Lula” da Silva’s criticisms regarding the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza.
The ongoing discussions between Slovakia and Brazil reflect a broader trend of militarization and modernization among European nations, particularly as they seek to strengthen defense partnerships within NATO and bolster their respective armed forces.
