TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer presented the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Uzbekistan Air Force on September 10, 2026, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian operator of the aircraft. Embraer confirmed the presentation in a social media post but did not provide details on the handover timeline.
The aircraft carries the tail number UK 39010 and features a grey livery with “UZ AIR FORCE” markings, the Uzbek flag and Air Force insignia.
Embraer had kept the customer confidential for more than a year. The company signed the contract for two C-390 aircraft on December 27, 2024, listing the customer as undisclosed. Uzbekistan was identified as the buyer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026.
“We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan 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 Defense & Security, when the order was disclosed.
The C-390 Millennium can carry up to 26 tonnes of payload and cruise at speeds of up to 470 knots (870 km/h or 541 mph). It can perform cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can also operate from unpaved or short runways. The KC-390 tanker version adds aerial refueling capability.
The C-390 adds a medium-sized transport capability to Uzbekistan’s fleet, alongside four Airbus C295 light transports and older Ilyushin Il-76 heavy airlifters. Uzbekistan also operates older Antonov An-12 and An-26 aircraft. The country has been adding Western equipment, including Airbus H125 and H215 helicopters, as it diversifies a fleet historically based on Soviet-era aircraft.
Uzbekistan becomes the eleventh country to operate or order the C-390, joining Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. The aircraft was designed for interoperability with NATO systems, although most customers so far have been NATO members or close partners.
Uzbekistan has also expanded its aviation cooperation with China. In August 2026, state television confirmed the delivery of Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets, making Uzbekistan the second foreign operator of the type after Pakistan. Reports said Uzbekistan had agreed to buy around 24 aircraft for approximately $1 billion, although the government has not confirmed the total number delivered or the final contract value.
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