Uzbekistan Confirmed as Embraer C-390 Millennium Customer

For those who were anticipating positive news for the South African Air Force, Embraer has officially identified the Republic of Uzbekistan as the previously unnamed customer for its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. This announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow, dashing hopes that South Africa might be the customer. This confirmation represents a notable achievement for both Embraer and the Uzbek Air Force, with Uzbekistan poised to be the first operator of the C-390 in Central Asia.

The acquisition represents a major step forward in Uzbekistan’s ongoing military modernisation programme, particularly in the area of airlift capability. The Uzbek Air Force intends to deploy the C-390 primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, enhancing its ability to rapidly respond to both national and regional requirements.

Embraer’s President and CEO of Defence & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior, welcomed Uzbekistan into the growing global community of C-390 operators, highlighting the aircraft’s role in reshaping the medium military transport market. “We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernises its transport capabilities,” said da Costa Junior. “We are honoured by the choice of this leading Central Asian air force and will work in close coordination with them to ensure flawless operation of this revolutionary aircraft.”

The C-390 Millennium is widely regarded as the most advanced aircraft in its class. It offers a combination of performance, flexibility, and operational efficiency that sets it apart from legacy medium airlifters. With a maximum payload capacity of 26 tonnes, the aircraft can transport heavier loads than many competitors while maintaining higher cruise speeds of up to 470 knots and extended range.

The aircraft’s versatility allows it to perform a broad spectrum of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting and humanitarian relief operations. Its ability to operate from temporary, semi-prepared, or unpaved runways makes it particularly well-suited to austere environments, a key consideration for Central Asian operations.

In addition to its transport role, the C-390 can be configured as a tanker under the KC-390 designation through the installation of a rapid-fit air-to-air refuelling system. In this configuration, the aircraft can operate both as a refuelling platform and as a receiver, significantly increasing mission flexibility and extending the operational reach of air forces.

Interoperability has also been a central design feature of the Millennium. The aircraft is fully compatible with NATO standards and is optimised for modern operational concepts such as Agile Combat Employment (ACE), allowing forces to disperse, operate from multiple locations, and sustain operations in contested environments.

Uzbekistan’s decision further strengthens the C-390’s expanding international footprint. The aircraft has already been selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania and now Uzbekistan. This growing list of operators underscores increasing global confidence in the platform’s performance and long-term viability.

For Embraer, the announcement reinforces the C-390 Millennium’s position as a leading solution in the medium airlift segment, while for Uzbekistan, it signals a clear commitment to enhancing strategic and humanitarian airlift capabilities. As deliveries commence in the coming years, the C-390 is expected to play a central role in supporting regional stability, disaster response and international cooperation across Central Asia.