UAE selects Embraer C-390 to modernise airlift fleet in first Middle East deal
May 5, 2026
The United Arab Emirates has signed a deal with Brazil’s Embraer for 10 C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, with options for 10 more, marking the first time the aircraft has been selected in the Middle East.
The contract, awarded by the Tawazun Council, is aimed at strengthening the UAE’s airlift capability across military and humanitarian missions.
“This contract represents a significant operational enhancement to the UAE’s military airlift capability,” says Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, “strengthening force readiness and operational efficiency, and enabling the Armed Forces to effectively execute a wide range of missions across diverse operational environments.”
Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement serves as the national entity for enabling and regulating the UAE’s defence and security industrial ecosystem.
Embraer C-390 enters Middle East market with UAE deal
The deal marks a notable milestone for Embraer. It is the first time a Brazilian military aircraft has entered service in the region. Also, to date, the agreement represents the largest international order from a single country for the C-390 Millennium.
For Embraer, the contract is more than a single sale. It is a foothold in a market long dominated by US and European manufacturers.
UAE airlift modernisation targets the replacement of ageing C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft
The UAE currently operates a mix of Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft for transport missions.
Many of these platforms are ageing. Globally, hundreds of military transport aircraft are nearing or exceeding 45 years of service, driving replacement demand.
The UAE’s broader defence strategy is focused on modernisation. The military aircraft market in the country is driven by the need for advanced capabilities and sustained investment in air power.
“The selection of the C-390 Millennium follows a comprehensive technical and operational evaluation, ensuring high levels of performance and reliability, while supporting effective integration with existing systems and advancing the UAE’s multi-mission airlift capabilities over the long term,” Dr. Al Nuaimi added.
Transport aircraft play a central role. They enable rapid deployment, logistics support and humanitarian operations across the region.
The C-390 is expected to complement and gradually replace parts of the existing fleet.
Embraer C-390 capabilities include multi-mission airlift, airdrop, medevac and austere operations
The C-390 Millennium is designed as a multi-role aircraft.
It can carry cargo and troops. It supports airdrop operations, medical evacuation and humanitarian missions. It can also operate from unpaved runways.
“The C-390 Millennium will provide the UAE Air Force and Air Defense with the versatility and performance needed to carry out a wide range of missions anytime, anywhere,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The aircraft is also built for interoperability. It can operate alongside allied forces and integrate with existing systems.
UAE to develop local MRO capability for Embraer C-390
The deal includes plans to develop maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in the UAE.
These will be set up in collaboration with local companies. The aim is to support long-term operations and build domestic industrial capacity.
Industry partnerships are a key part of the UAE’s defence strategy. The country has consistently worked with global manufacturers to develop local capabilities and reduce reliance on external support.
Embraer eyes wider regional opportunities and government-to-government deals
Embraer targets further Middle East C-390 sales
Company executives have indicated that government-to-government agreements could play a role in future sales.
“I believe we will see here government-to-government mechanisms… with one nation facilitating the entry of other nations into the C-390 operators’ club,” the Embraer CEO told Reuters.
The company had previously focused on Saudi Arabia. However, prospects there have weakened, making the UAE deal more significant.
UAE’s selection of C-390 could influence India’s decision
The C-390 is also competing in India’s medium transport aircraft programme.
India is looking to acquire between 40 and 80 aircraft. The competition includes the Lockheed Martin C-130J and Airbus A400M.
Success in the UAE could strengthen Embraer’s position in that contest.
The UAE military aircraft market is highly competitive. It is dominated by major global players including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Airbus. The entry of the C-390 signals a shift.
It reflects the UAE’s willingness to diversify suppliers. It also highlights growing demand for modern, multi-role transport aircraft.
The aircraft is already selected by air forces in Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Slovakia and Lithuania.
Featured image: Embraer
