C-390 Millennium for Uzbekistan

On 3 February 2026, Embraer announced at the Singapore Airshow that the Republic of Uzbekistan has ordered two C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.

The Uzbek Air Force will primarily employ the C-390 for transport and humanitarian missions, significantly enhancing its current capabilities. Uzbekistan will become the first Central Asian nation to operate the C-390. The order was signed on 27 December 2024 but had not previously been disclosed.

Uzbekistan currently operates four Airbus C295M-W transport aircraft, as well as several Ilyushin Il-76TD heavy airlifters. As part of its ongoing modernisation programme, the Uzbek Air Force is now bridging the capability gap between these two transport types. This acquisition follows the introduction of other Western aircraft into its inventory, including Airbus H125 and H215 helicopters.

The C-390 is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can also operate from temporary or unpaved runways. Uzbekistan will be the eleventh nation to operate the aircraft, following orders from Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania. Interest has also been expressed by several other countries.

Credit photo (just illustrative): ALSpotter (via jetphotos.com)