The Uzbekistan Air Force has taken delivery of its first Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, becoming the first operator of the type in Central Asia. The handover took place on September 25 at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, as part of efforts to modernise Uzbekistan’s military airlift capabilities.

The acquisition contract was signed in late 2024 and includes a training and support package, as well as the supply of spare parts. Embraer did not disclose the total number of aircraft ordered or the contract value in its announcement. The ceremony was attended by Major General Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Uzbekistan Air Force, and Olimkhon Bakiyevich Rustamov, Director of the state institution O‘ztextreyd.

Burkhonov described the delivery as an important step in modernising the air force, noting that the new aircraft would enable more efficient execution of a range of missions and improve operational readiness. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the manufacturer intended to provide long-term support to Uzbekistan as it operates the new platform.

The C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo and reach a speed of 470 knots, or approximately 870 kilometres per hour. Its roles include troop and cargo transport, equipment and paratrooper airdrops, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. Depending on its configuration and installed equipment, it can also carry out firefighting and humanitarian missions, while being designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

With the appropriate air-to-air refuelling equipment, the aircraft can serve as a tanker and receive fuel from another aircraft. This flexibility allows a single platform to perform a variety of military and support missions.

The delivery to Uzbekistan expands the geographical footprint of Embraer’s C-390 programme. In addition to Brazil, the type has been selected by Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Colombia and Lithuania, according to the manufacturer.