Brazilian company Embraer officially confirmed that the Republic of Uzbekistan is the customer behind a previously announced order—kept confidential at the time—for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow, where the Brazilian manufacturer specified that the aircraft will be destined for the Uzbek Air Force.
According to information released by Embraer, the C-390 Millennium will be used primarily for transport missions and humanitarian operations, helping expand and modernize the operational capabilities of Uzbekistan’s air force. With this induction, Uzbekistan becomes the first Central Asian country to operate this military transport model.
Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior stated: “We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbek Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities.” He added: “We are honoured by the selection of this important Central Asian Air Force and will work in close coordination with them to ensure the flawless operation of this game-changing aircraft.”
The contract had been foreshadowed in December 2024, when Embraer reported the signing of an agreement for the sale of two C-390 Millennium aircraft, along with a complete package of training, technical assistance, and spare parts supply. At that time, the customer had not been publicly identified. The aircraft were configured to cover missions such as tactical transport of troops and vehicles, humanitarian aid, disaster management, and medical evacuation.
Regarding that agreement, Bosco da Costa Jr. stated at the time: “We are honoured by the choice of this new customer for the C-390 Millennium. This aircraft is redefining the concepts of military transport aviation with an unbeatable combination of cutting-edge technology, reliability and low operating costs, with exceptional performance.”
Designed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is a medium-sized military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of payload, reaching speeds of 470 knots, and operating from temporary or unprepared runways. Its multi-mission profile enables it to perform cargo and troop transport, airdrop of personnel and equipment, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. In its KC-390 version, equipped with air-to-air refuelling systems, it can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver aircraft.
The C-390 Millennium has currently been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, and the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the aircraft has consolidated its presence in the international military transport market.
Images for illustrative purposes.
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