Singapore Airshow: Uzbekistan confirmed as new Embraer C-390 Millennium customer
February 3, 2026
Embraer has confirmed the Republic of Uzbekistan as the previously undisclosed customer for its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, announcing the reveal at the opening of the Singapore Airshow on February 3.
The deal makes the Uzbekistan Air Force the first operator of the C-390 in Central Asia, marking a significant modernisation step for the country’s airlift capabilities and extending the aircraft’s footprint into a new strategic region.
Uzbekistan to use Embraer C-390 for transport and humanitarian missions
According to Embraer, the C-390 will be used primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, enhancing Uzbekistan’s ability to conduct logistics, disaster response and emergency relief operations across its territory and beyond.
“We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernises its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are honoured by the choice of this leading Central Asia air force and will work closely with them to ensure flawless operation of the aircraft.”
The C-390 Millennium is Embraer’s twin-engine jet-powered medium transport, designed to replace ageing turboprop fleets while offering higher speed, payload and range. The aircraft can carry payloads of up to 26 tonnes, cruise at speeds of up to 470 knots, and operate from temporary or unpaved runways, allowing deployment in austere environments.
Beyond airlift, the C-390 is capable of a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian assistance. In its tanker configuration, designated KC-390, the aircraft can perform air-to-air refuelling missions as both a tanker and a receiver.
First Central Asian customer for the C-390 Millennium
The Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces operate several military transport aircraft, including the CASA C-295 and Soviet-era types such as the Antonov An-26 and Ilyushin Il-76. These aircraft provide Uzbekistan with basic airlift for cargo and personnel, but the fleet is dated and smaller in scale compared with modern medium transports.
The addition of the C-390 will represent a significant upgrade in payload, speed and flexibility for both routine logistics and humanitarian missions.
Embraer highlighted the aircraft’s NATO interoperability and suitability for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, though Uzbekistan is not a NATO member.
Uzbekistan joins a growing list of C-390 customers, which already includes Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania and the Republic of Korea. The latest announcement underscores Embraer’s continued success in positioning the C-390 as an alternative to legacy medium transport aircraft in both European and emerging markets.
Featured image: Embraer
