Uzbekistan has been officially unveiled as the previously undisclosed customer for Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, becoming the first operator of the aircraft in Central Asia
The Republic of Uzbekistan has been confirmed as the undisclosed customer for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, following an official announcement by Embraer at the Singapore Airshow on 3 February 2026. The revelation follows an earlier announcement in which the customer’s identity had not been disclosed.
The Uzbekistan Air Force will deploy the state-of-the-art aircraft primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. With this acquisition, Uzbekistan becomes the first nation in Central Asia to operate the C-390 Millennium, marking a notable milestone in the region’s defence modernisation efforts.
Designed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It is capable of carrying payloads of up to 26 tonnes, flying faster and farther than other medium-sized military transport aircraft. Its versatility allows it to conduct a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations, even from unpaved or temporary runways.
The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling operations, operating both as a tanker and a receiver. Fully interoperable within NATO environments, the platform is particularly suited for Agile Combat Employment operations, reinforcing its appeal to air forces seeking flexibility and reliability.
Uzbekistan joins a growing list of countries that have selected the C-390 Millennium, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania, underscoring the aircraft’s expanding global footprint in military transport aviation.
