Embraer has delivered the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft to the Uzbekistan Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first operator of this aircraft in Central Asia.

The handover took place Thursday during an official ceremony at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. The event was attended by Major General Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Olimkhon Bakiyevich Rustamov, Director of the state institution "O'ztextreyd," representing the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The delivery stems from a contract signed at the end of 2024, which also includes a comprehensive training and support package as well as the supply of spare parts. Embraer said the aircraft is part of Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its operational capabilities.

"The delivery of the first C-390 Millennium represents a significant step forward for the modernization of the Uzbekistan Air Force," said Major General Burkhonov. "The aircraft's exceptional performance, versatility, and multi-mission capabilities will enable us to execute a broad range of missions with greater efficiency and readiness. We look forward to introducing this state-of-the-art platform into service and further strengthening our operational capabilities."

Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, welcomed Uzbekistan into the C-390 operator community. "We are honored to deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force and welcome Uzbekistan to the growing community of C-390 operators worldwide," he said. "The selection of the C-390 confirms its status as the most advanced air mobility solution available today. This delivery reinforces our commitment to supporting Uzbekistan with unmatched capability and operational flexibility for decades to come."

The C-390 Millennium is a medium tactical airlifter capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes of payload at speeds of up to 470 knots and can operate from temporary or unpaved runways. Its mission set includes cargo and troop transport, airdrops of equipment and personnel, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. When fitted with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment, the aircraft can also function as either a tanker or a receiver.

Beyond Brazil, the C-390 Millennium has now been selected by the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Colombia, and Lithuania.

Source: PR