Embraer welcomes Uzbekistan as first Central Asian C-390 operator

Embraer confirmed that Uzbekistan is the customer behind a previously undisclosed order for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, marking the country’s formal entry into the program and making it the first Central Asian nation to operate the platform, Defence Blog reports.

According to Embraer, the Uzbek Air Force will primarily use the C-390 for military transport and humanitarian missions, significantly enhancing its ability to move personnel, equipment, and relief supplies across long distances and challenging terrain. The announcement officially identifies Uzbekistan as the latest addition to the growing international fleet of C-390 operators.

“The Republic of Uzbekistan is officially welcomed to the group of C-390 operators as the Uzbekistan Air Force modernizes its transport capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. “We are honored by the choice of this leading Central Asian air force and will work in close coordination with them to ensure flawless operation of this revolutionary aircraft.”

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine military transport aircraft capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance. Embraer notes that the aircraft can carry payloads up to 26 tons and operate from short, temporary, or unpaved runways, offering flexibility for both military and civil support operations.

In its KC-390 tanker configuration, the aircraft can be equipped with air-to-air refueling systems, allowing it to serve as both a refueling platform and a receiver. This capability supports extended-range operations and interoperability with partner air forces.

Designed for modern operational requirements, the C-390 offers high cruise speed, extended range, and rapid deployment capabilities, enabling air forces to reposition assets quickly and support distributed operations.

Uzbekistan joins a list of countries already operating the C-390, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Embraer has positioned the aircraft as a modern replacement for aging Soviet-era and Western transport fleets across multiple regions.

By Vafa Guliyeva