Successor “Hercules” – purchase of Embraer transport aircraft is getting closer

According to the Ministry of Defense, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has now been signed with the Netherlands for cooperation in the field of procurement. This allows the contract negotiations to be completed. Austria will receive four machines.

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) made it clear early on that she preferred a so-called government-to-government deal. She described the concept used with Italy for the recently purchased Leonardo AW169M multi-role helicopters as a “guideline” for all future tenders.

Letter of intent already signed
Tanner was therefore happy with the letter of intent that had now been signed. The Minister of Defense emphasized that they have found “a reliable partner” in the Netherlands: “In addition to the cheaper purchase of the new transport aircraft, we also have the advantage that in the future we can train our pilots and technicians together and collaborate in the field of maintenance .” We will also work together regarding spare parts in the future. All this was recorded in the note.

Joint purchasing and maintenance
According to the Defense Ministry, in the 39-page agreement in principle, the two countries emphasize the urgent need to replace their C-130 transport aircraft, as well as joint procurement and synergies in training and maintenance. The Netherlands is purchasing a total of nine units, four of which are intended for the Austrian armed forces, it was said. The first plane could land in Austria as early as 2027.