Embraer has delivered the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first country in Central Asia to operate Embraer’s next-generation military transport aircraft. The delivery marks a significant step in Uzbekistan’s effort to modernize its military airlift capability and expands the C-390’s international footprint into a new geographic market.
Embraer announced the Uzbek customer at the Singapore Airshow in February 2026, when it confirmed that Uzbekistan was the previously undisclosed customer for the C-390. At that time, the company said the aircraft would be used primarily for transport and humanitarian missions.
The aircraft now revealed carries Uzbek Air Force markings, including the designation “UZ AIR FORCE”, the Uzbek national flag and the aircraft number UK 39010. The aircraft represents the first C-390 to enter service with a Central Asian military.
The airframe has an interesting production history. The aircraft identified as MSN 39000019 was originally associated with the Brazilian Air Force and was expected to receive the registration FAB 2861. In August, however, the aircraft was observed flying to Belo Horizonte/Confins with its Brazilian markings covered and subsequently underwent preparation and repainting for its Uzbek destination at GOL Aerotech's facilities.
Reports also noted that MSN 39000019 arrived at Confins without the in-flight refueling probe fitted to Brazilian KC-390 aircraft. This is consistent with the aircraft being delivered in a transport-oriented configuration rather than the Brazilian KC-390 tanker configuration. Embraer has not publicly explained why this particular airframe changed from its originally intended Brazilian assignment.
Importantly, the change of destination does not by itself establish that Brazil's contracted fleet has been reduced. Reports have noted that Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force have not announced another reduction to Brazil's order as a result of the aircraft's reassignment.
The C-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine, multi-mission military airlifter designed to combine tactical-airlift capability with relatively high speed and payload.
According to Embraer's specifications, the aircraft can carry a maximum concentrated payload of 26 metric tons (57,320 lb) and achieve a maximum cruise speed of 470 KTAS (Mach 0.80), equivalent to approximately 870 km/h. Its current published specifications list a range of about 1,080 nautical miles with a 26-ton payload, while ferry range can reach approximately 3,370 nautical miles in the standard configuration.
Its cargo compartment measures approximately 18.5 metres in length, 3.45 metres in width and 2.95 metres in minimum height, with a volume of about 169 m³. Depending on configuration, the aircraft can accommodate troops, paratroopers, pallets, vehicles and other mission equipment.
The combination of payload and speed gives the C-390 a distinctive position among medium military transports. Embraer says the aircraft can carry out cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian operations and disaster-response missions.
Another important feature for Uzbekistan is the C-390's ability to operate in demanding environments. The aircraft's landing gear, structure and systems are designed for operations from temporary, semi-prepared and unpaved surfaces, including packed earth, soil and gravel.
That capability can be particularly valuable for military logistics and disaster-response operations where conventional paved runways may not be available.
The aircraft can also be configured for specialized missions. Embraer lists capabilities including aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial firefighting, humanitarian resupply, disaster management and airdrop of personnel and cargo. C-390/KC-390 variants can additionally perform aerial-refueling missions when equipped for that role.
Uzbekistan's arrival comes as the C-390 program continues to build an international customer base. Embraer has said the aircraft has been selected by 11 air forces worldwide, including eight European countries and seven NATO members. The customer group includes Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Slovakia, alongside newer selections.
The aircraft has also accumulated substantial operational experience. Embraer has reported a mission completion rate above 99% for the C-390 fleet in service, while earlier company data cited a 93% mission-capability rate.
For the Uzbekistan Air Force, the C-390 represents a major modernization of its military transport capability. Beyond conventional movement of personnel and equipment, the aircraft provides a flexible platform for humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, search and rescue, disaster relief and emergency logistics.
The delivery also gives Embraer a foothold in Central Asia, a region where military operators have traditionally relied heavily on Soviet- and Russian-designed transport aircraft. Uzbekistan's selection therefore represents not only a fleet modernization decision but also another milestone in the C-390's transition from a Brazilian-led program into a genuinely international military airlift platform.
With its 26-ton payload, 470-knot maximum cruise speed, multi-mission architecture and austere-airfield capability, the C-390 Millennium now brings a new generation of military air mobility to Central Asia.
Verification note: The core claim is confirmed by Embraer: Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian C-390 operator, and the aircraft is intended primarily for transport and humanitarian missions. The details concerning MSN 39000019/FAB 2861, its transfer from the Brazilian production allocation, removal of the refueling probe and repainting at GOL Aerotech are supported by aviation-industry reporting but have not all been independently explained or formally detailed by Embraer.
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