At the Singapore International Airshow, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer officially announced a contract with Uzbekistan. The Uzbek Air Force will be the first in the region to operate the newest C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, Gazeta.uz reports.
Technological Superiority
The C-390 Millennium is considered the most advanced aircraft in its class. Tashkent's choice was based on the aircraft's unique characteristics:
Load capacity: up to 26 tons;
Speed: 870 km/h (470 knots), significantly higher than comparable aircraft;
Multi-role capability: from troop airdrops and firefighting to medical evacuations and in-flight refueling (KC-390 modification);
Versatility: the ability to take off from unpaved and temporary airstrips.
NATO Compatibility and Fleet Modernization
Experts note that the Millennium is fully compatible with NATO systems, opening up new opportunities for international cooperation. Currently, Uzbekistan's transport aviation fleet is based on Soviet-era Il-76s and European CASA C-295s. The purchase of Brazilian aircraft will represent a quantum leap in the modernization of the Ministry of Defense's fleet.
- C-390 Millennium Specifications
- Manufacturer: Embraer (Brazil)
- Maximum Load: 26,000 kg
- Features: Compatibility with ACE (Agile Combat Employment)
- Status in Central Asia: Uzbekistan is the first customer
Uzbekistan has joined the elite club of C-390 operating countries, which already includes Brazil, South Korea, and several EU countries (the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden).
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 4, 2026