Embraer has presented the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft intended for the Air Force of Uzbekistan. This makes Uzbekistan the first country and future operator of the C-390 in Central Asia.
The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer posted photos of the first C-390 Millennium designated for the Air Force of Uzbekistan on the social network X. The image shows the aircraft in gray livery with the inscription 'UZ AIR FORCE', the Uzbek flag, and the emblem of the country's Air Force. The tail section of the aircraft bears the number UK 39010.
Embraer officially announced the acquisition of this aircraft by Uzbekistan in February 2026 during an air show in Singapore. Previously, the company had announced a contract for the C-390 without disclosing the identity of the customer.
The Air Force of Uzbekistan plans to use the C-390 primarily for transportation tasks and humanitarian missions. The arrival of this platform is expected to expand the country's operational capabilities and provide a wider range of options for air transport and special missions.
The Embraer C-390 Millennium is a multi-purpose military transport aircraft of Brazilian manufacture, designed for tactical and strategic transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian operations, and in-flight refueling. It is produced by Embraer Defense & Security.
Initially, the aircraft was designated KC-390, reflecting its original focus on transport and refueling. Later, Embraer adopted the name C-390 Millennium to emphasize the multifunctionality of this platform.
The aircraft is equipped with a high-wing design, two engines, and a rear cargo ramp. Unlike many medium-sized military transport aircraft that operate on turboprop engines, the C-390 is equipped with two IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines with a high bypass ratio.
The maximum payload of the aircraft reaches 26 tons, and its cruising speed is about 870 km/h, or Mach 0.8. Its maximum takeoff weight is approximately 87 tons.
The cargo compartment measures approximately 18.5 meters in length, 3.45 meters in width, and 2.95 meters in height. The aircraft can carry up to 64 fully equipped paratroopers or about 80 military personnel. In medical evacuation configuration, it can accommodate up to 74 stretchers with medical staff.
The exact range depends on the payload, fuel load, weather conditions, and the specific mission configuration. With a smaller payload, the aircraft can cover significantly greater distances.
The C-390 is designed to transport military cargo, vehicles, personnel, helicopters, and oversized equipment. The rear ramp allows for the loading and unloading of vehicles and palletized cargo, as well as 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, which expands its potential application in various conditions.
The C-390 is capable of performing aerial tanker missions. For transferring fuel to compatible aircraft and helicopters, it uses hose and drogue refueling systems under the wing. Furthermore, the C-390 can receive fuel in flight using its own refueling probe. This allows the platform to act as both an aerial tanker and to receive fuel from another aircraft.
One of the features of the C-390 is its ability to quickly reconfigure for medical evacuation using modular equipment. The aircraft can carry a large number of patients on stretchers, medical personnel, and intensive care equipment.
Specifically, Hungarian C-390s have received a modular 'roll-on/roll-off' intensive care system designed for complex evacuation missions. The multi-purpose capabilities of the aircraft also allow it to be used in emergencies. Potential missions include disaster relief, population evacuation, delivery of food, medicine, 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 system provides high transit speeds compared to older turboprop transport aircraft, while the rear ramp and reinforced landing gear allow it to operate on less developed airfield infrastructure.
The aircraft was originally developed for Brazil, which remains its initial customer and key industrial partner. Portugal became one of the first foreign operators of the C-390, and Hungary was the first country to receive all its ordered aircraft. According to Embraer, the delivery of two aircraft to Hungary was completed in November 2025.
As of July 2026, Embraer has listed countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania among those who have chosen the C-390. In July 2026, the Czech Republic received its first C-390; according to Embraer, delivery took place 20 months after signing the purchase agreement.
Uzbekistan holds a special position in Central Asia as the first country in the region to select and operate the C-390 Millennium.
For Uzbekistan, this multi-purpose transport aircraft can be used for rapid deployment of personnel and equipment across Central Asia, delivery of humanitarian aid, long-distance medical evacuations, and strategic transport of military units and equipment. The platform can also be used for search and rescue operations in mountainous and remote areas, as well as for international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Depending on the acquired configuration, aerial refueling and extended range flight capabilities may be available.
The aircraft is also of interest to Uzbekistan in terms of emergency response. Large distances, mountainous terrain, and limited transport infrastructure in some areas can complicate ground logistics, whereas the C-390 can rapidly deliver people, equipment, and vital supplies.
The C-390 Millennium is more than just a transport aircraft; it is a multi-purpose platform combining cargo and personnel transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian operations, and in-flight refueling. A payload of up to 26 tons, jet speed, modular design, and the ability to operate from less prepared airfields make the C-390 a notable competitor in the medium-sized military transport aircraft market.
At the same time, the long-term prospects of the program will depend on production volumes, spare parts availability, training of crews and technical specialists, development of maintenance infrastructure, and the creation of an international support network. The growing number of countries choosing the C-390, including the first country in Central Asia to select this platform, strengthens its position in competition with widely used models.
