Uzbekistan to Become First C-390 Millennium Operator in Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the Singapore Airshow, Embraer officially announced that the Republic of Uzbekistan has become the customer for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, previously reported without naming the buyer.

The Uzbek Air Force plans to use the C-390 primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. This makes Uzbekistan the first country in Central Asia to operate this aircraft, which is poised to transform the medium military transport market.

“We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan as an operator of the C-390 as its Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “It is a great honor that the choice fell on a leading Central Asian air force. We will work closely with them to ensure flawless operation of this revolutionary aircraft.”

Designed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is one of the most advanced military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry up to 26 tons of payload, exceeding the capacity of other medium transport aircraft, reach speeds of up to 470 knots, and has extended range. The aircraft is capable of performing a wide range of missions: cargo and personnel transport, equipment and troop air-drop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved airfields.

In the KC-390 configuration with rapidly installable aerial refueling equipment, the aircraft can function both as a tanker and receiver. The C-390 is fully compatible with NATO infrastructure and is particularly suited for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations.

Currently, the C-390 Millennium is operated or ordered by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, Lithuania, and now Uzbekistan. The aircraft delivers high reliability, versatility, and performance, meeting both tactical and strategic needs of modern air forces worldwide.