SINGAPORE – Embraer confirmed Tuesday that the Republic of Uzbekistan is the previously undisclosed customer behind an order for the C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft. The announcement, made during the Singapore Airshow, marks the first sale of the Brazilian-built airlifter to a Central Asian nation.
The Uzbek Air Force will deploy the C-390 primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, a move that significantly modernizes its aging fleet. With this acquisition, Uzbekistan becomes the first operator of the Millennium platform in Central Asia, extending the aircraft’s global footprint into a strategically vital region.
“We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are honored by the choice of this leading Central Asia Air Force and will work in close coordination with them to ensure flawless operation of this revolutionary aircraft.”
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission transport asset capable of a wide range of operations, including cargo and troop airlift, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial refueling. It offers superior payload capacity, speed, and short takeoff and landing performance compared to similarly sized legacy military transports. The aircraft has gained traction among global operators for its low operating costs and operational versatility.
While Embraer has not disclosed the specific contract value or delivery timeline, the agreement underscores growing demand for modern, cost-effective tactical airlift solutions. Uzbekistan’s selection also signals deepening defense ties between the Central Asian republic and Brazil’s aerospace sector.
The Uzbek Air Force’s acquisition aligns with broader regional efforts to replace Soviet-era platforms with Western-compatible systems. Analysts suggest the C-390’s performance capabilities and lower lifecycle costs made it a compelling choice over competitors such as Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus’s A400M.
Embraer continues to expand its C-390 customer base beyond initial operators Brazil and Portugal. Recent additions include Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, and now Uzbekistan. The company is actively pursuing further opportunities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas as it scales production to meet rising demand.
The formal acknowledgment of Uzbekistan as the customer resolves months of speculation following Embraer’s initial report of an undisclosed order. It also reinforces the C-390’s positioning as a disruptive force in the military airlift market.
