The aircraft was formally handed over to the Uzbek Air Force on September 25 at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. The ceremony was attended by Uzbek Air Force Commander Major General Ahmad Burkhanov and Uztechtrade Director Olimkhon Rustamov.
Uzbekistan is the first country in Central Asia to operate the C-390 Millennium, Embraer said. The contract, signed in late 2024, covers the delivery of the aircraft and spare parts, as well as pilot training and technical support.
“The delivery of the first C-390 Millennium marks an important step in modernizing Uzbekistan’s air force. The aircraft’s exceptional performance, adaptability and multi-mission capabilities will allow us to carry out a wide range of tasks more efficiently,” Burkhanov said.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, congratulated Uzbekistan on joining the “growing global community of C-390 operators”. He said Embraer was prepared to support Uzbekistan’s aviation capabilities over the coming decades.
C-390 capabilities
The C-390 Millennium was designed in the early 21st century and has been produced by Embraer since 2014. The aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo and has a cruising speed of up to 470 knots, or about 870 km/h.
It can transport cargo and passengers and conduct search-and-rescue, humanitarian and medical evacuation missions. The aircraft can also be used for aerial firefighting and is designed to operate from temporary and unpaved runways.
The C-390 can be equipped with a specialized aerial refueling system, allowing it to serve both as a tanker and as a receiver of fuel in flight.
Besides Brazil and Uzbekistan, the aircraft is operated by the Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. It has also been selected by the air forces of the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Sweden, Lithuania, Colombia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Embraer first announced
