Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Embraer has unveiled the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft destined for the Uzbekistan Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first customer and future C-390 operator in Central Asia.
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer published photographs of the first C-390 Millennium intended for the Uzbekistan Air Force on the social media platform X.
The aircraft is shown in grey livery bearing the inscription “UZ AIR FORCE”, the Uzbek flag and the country’s Air Force insignia. The aircraft’s tail section carries the number UK 39010.
Embraer officially announced Uzbekistan’s acquisition of the aircraft in February 2026 at the Singapore Airshow. The company had previously announced a contract for the C-390 without disclosing the customer’s identity.
Uzbekistan’s Air Force plans to use the C-390 primarily for transport and humanitarian missions. The arrival of the platform is expected to expand the country’s operational capabilities and provide a wider range of air transport and special mission options.
Hoje, a Embraer apresenta a primeira aeronave C-390 Millennium da Força Aérea do Uzbequistão, tornando a República do Uzbequistão a primeira cliente do C-390 na Ásia Central. pic.twitter.com/7T1Z1N3inH
— Embraer (@embraer) September 10, 2026
A new-generation aircraft
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a Brazilian multirole military transport aircraft designed for tactical and strategic transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian operations and aerial refuelling. It is manufactured by Embraer Defense & Security.
The aircraft was initially designated KC-390, reflecting its original focus on transport and aerial refuelling. Embraer later adopted the C-390 Millennium designation to highlight the platform’s multifunctional capabilities.
The aircraft features a high-mounted wing, two engines and a rear cargo ramp. Unlike many medium-sized military transport aircraft powered by turboprop engines, the C-390 is equipped with two IAE V2500-E5 high-bypass turbofan engines.
The aircraft has a maximum payload of up to 26 tonnes and a cruising speed of around 870 km/h, or Mach 0.8. Its maximum take-off weight is about 87 tonnes.
The cargo cabin is around 18.5 metres long, 3.45 metres wide and 2.95 metres high. The aircraft can carry up to 64 fully equipped paratroopers or around 80 military personnel. In medical evacuation configuration, it can accommodate up to 74 stretchers with medical personnel.
The exact range depends on payload, fuel load, weather conditions and the configuration of the specific mission. With a lighter payload, the aircraft can cover significantly greater distances.
Transport capabilities
The C-390 is designed to transport military cargo, vehicles, personnel, helicopters and oversized equipment. Its rear ramp allows vehicles and palletised cargo to be loaded and unloaded, as well as enabling the deployment of cargo and parachute units from low and medium altitudes.
The aircraft is designed to operate from temporary, partially prepared or damaged runways, expanding its potential use in a range of conditions.
Aerial refuelling
The C-390 can perform aerial tanker missions. It uses underwing hose-and-drogue refuelling systems to transfer fuel to compatible aircraft and helicopters.
The C-390 can also receive fuel in flight through its own refuelling probe. This gives the platform the ability both to serve as an aerial tanker and to receive fuel from another aircraft.
Medical evacuation and humanitarian operations
One of the C-390’s features is its ability to be rapidly converted for medical evacuation using modular equipment. The aircraft can carry large numbers of patients on stretchers, medical personnel and intensive-care equipment.
Hungarian C-390s, in particular, have received a modular roll-on/roll-off intensive care system designed for complex evacuation missions.
The aircraft’s multirole capabilities also allow it to be used in emergencies. Potential missions include disaster relief, population evacuation, delivery of food, medicines and rescue equipment, search-and-rescue operations, firefighting and assistance to remote communities.
The C-390 can also be used to evacuate people from areas affected by conflicts or natural disasters.
Its jet propulsion provides high transit speeds compared with older turboprop transport aircraft, while the rear ramp and reinforced landing gear allow it to operate with less-developed airfield infrastructure.
International programme
The aircraft was initially developed for Brazil, which remains its launch customer and a key industrial partner. Portugal became one of the first foreign C-390 operators, while Hungary was the first country to receive all of its ordered aircraft. According to Embraer, deliveries of Hungary’s two aircraft were completed in November 2025.
As of July 2026, Embraer listed Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania among the countries that had selected the C-390.
In July 2026, the Czech Republic received its first C-390. According to Embraer, the delivery took place 20 months after the acquisition agreement was signed.
Uzbekistan occupies a special position in Central Asia as the first country in the region to select and operate the C-390 Millennium.
What the C-390 offers Uzbekistan
For Uzbekistan, the multirole transport aircraft could be used to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment across Central Asia, deliver humanitarian aid, conduct long-distance medical evacuations and transport military units and equipment strategically.
The platform could also be used for search-and-rescue operations in mountainous and remote areas, as well as international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
Depending on the configuration acquired, aerial refuelling and extended-range flight capabilities may also be available.
The aircraft is also of interest to Uzbekistan from an emergency-response perspective. Long distances, mountainous terrain and limited transport infrastructure in some areas can complicate ground logistics, while the C-390 can rapidly deliver people, equipment and essential supplies.
Competition in the military transport aircraft market
The C-390 Millennium is more than a transport aircraft, serving as a multirole platform that combines cargo and personnel transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian operations and aerial refuelling capabilities.
A payload of up to 26 tonnes, jet-powered speed, a modular design and the ability to operate from less-prepared airfields make the C-390 a notable contender in the medium military transport aircraft market.
At the same time, the programme’s long-term prospects will depend on production volumes, spare-parts availability, training of crews and technical specialists, the development of maintenance infrastructure and the establishment of an international support network.
The growing number of countries selecting the C-390, including the platform’s first customer in Central Asia, strengthens its position in competition with widely used
