Tawazun Awards Contract to Embraer for Up to 20 C-390 Millennium Aircraft for the UAE

The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement has awarded a contract to Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer for the acquisition of up to 20 C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, marking a significant step in the United Arab Emirates’ ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its strategic and tactical airlift capabilities. The agreement comprises 10 firm orders, alongside options for a further 10 aircraft, providing flexibility for future fleet growth as operational requirements evolve.

Signed in Abu Dhabi on 4 May 2026, the contract represents the first selection of the Embraer C-390 Millennium in the Middle East. It also constitutes the largest single-country order for the aircraft to date, underscoring increasing global confidence in the platform. The agreement reflects both the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its military logistics capabilities and Embraer’s continued expansion into new international defence markets.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both parties, including Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Tawazun Council, and Bosco da Costa Jr., President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. The presence of high-level UAE leadership and Embraer executives highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, not only in terms of defence procurement but also in strengthening bilateral industrial and technological cooperation.

A key component of the programme is the development of in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in partnership with a national defence company. This approach aligns with the UAE’s broader objective of fostering a self-sustaining defence industrial base, reducing reliance on external support, and building long-term technical expertise within the country. In addition to MRO, the contract includes comprehensive after-sales support services designed to ensure sustained operational readiness and fleet availability over the aircraft’s lifecycle.

The UAE Air Force and Air Defence selected the C-390 Millennium following an extensive evaluation process that included detailed technical assessments and a comprehensive test campaign conducted under local environmental conditions. These trials were designed to assess the aircraft’s performance in high-temperature and demanding operational scenarios typical of the region. According to Tawazun, the aircraft demonstrated the ability to meet mission requirements while offering advantages in operational efficiency, reliability, and lifecycle cost management.

As a multi-mission platform, the C-390 Millennium is designed to perform a broad spectrum of roles, making it a versatile asset within modern air forces. Its capabilities include cargo and troop transport, precision airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as medical evacuation. The aircraft is also capable of operating from semi-prepared and unpaved runways, enhancing its suitability for austere environments and remote locations where infrastructure may be limited.

In addition to its operational versatility, the aircraft has been developed with interoperability in mind, allowing it to integrate effectively with allied and partner forces during joint or coalition operations. This capability is increasingly important in the context of multinational missions, where seamless coordination between different air forces is essential. For the UAE, this enhances its ability to participate in international operations while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of existing systems and platforms.

From an operational perspective, the introduction of the C-390 is expected to significantly enhance the UAE Air Force and Air Defence’s ability to conduct both military and humanitarian missions across diverse environments. The aircraft’s combination of payload capacity, speed and flexibility supports rapid deployment and sustained logistics operations, contributing to improved mission readiness and responsiveness.

For Embraer, the contract represents a notable milestone in the global expansion of the C-390 Millennium programme. The aircraft has been gaining traction among international operators seeking a modern medium-lift transport solution that balances performance with cost efficiency. The UAE’s selection reinforces the platform’s competitiveness in a segment traditionally dominated by established legacy aircraft.

While delivery timelines and entry-into-service details have not yet been disclosed, the agreement signals a long-term partnership between the UAE and Embraer. It also reflects a broader trend within the global defence sector toward adaptable, multi-role airlift platforms capable of meeting both conventional military requirements and the growing demand for humanitarian and disaster response operations.