Defense & Military
Uzbekistan Confirmed as New Operator of Embraer C-390 Millennium
Uzbekistan orders two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft to modernize its air force, replacing Antonov An-12s with a $240M contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer and background industry data.
Embraer has officially identified the Republic of Uzbekistan as the previously undisclosed customer for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The announcement, made today, February 3, 2026, at the Singapore Airshow, marks a significant milestone for the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer as it secures its first operator in Central Asia.
The confirmation follows a contract originally signed in late 2024, which had sparked industry speculation regarding the identity of the buyer. By selecting the C-390, the Uzbekistan Air Force is taking a major step in its fleet modernization program, moving away from legacy Soviet-era platforms toward newer, multi-mission capabilities.
According to the official announcement, the order comprises two C-390 Millennium military aircraft. While the specific contract value was not reiterated in today’s release, industry data indicates that Embraer added approximately US$240 million to its backlog in the fourth quarter of 2024 attributed to an “undisclosed customer,” a figure that aligns with this acquisition.
The timeline of the deal proceeded as follows:
In a statement regarding the partnership, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, welcomed the new operator:
“We officially welcome the Republic of Uzbekistan to the group of C-390 operators… We are honored by the choice of this leading Central Asia Air Force and will work in close coordination with them to ensure flawless operation of this revolutionary aircraft.”
The acquisition is part of a broader initiative by Tashkent to upgrade its defense capabilities. The new C-390s are intended to replace the Uzbekistan Air Force’s aging fleet of Antonov An-12 turboprops. The C-390 offers a concentrated payload capacity of 26 tons and a cruising speed of 470 knots (Mach 0.80), providing a significant performance upgrade over the legacy turboprops.
The aircraft’s design is particularly well-suited for the region’s geography. Embraer highlights the C-390’s ability to operate from unpaved, temporary, or short runways, such as packed earth or gravel, which is essential for operations across Central Asia’s diverse and rugged terrain. The aircraft will be utilized for tactical transport of troops and armored vehicles, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
We view this acquisition as a pivotal moment in the geopolitical diversification of Central Asian defense procurement. Historically reliant on Russian hardware, Uzbekistan has increasingly sought partnerships with Western and non-traditional suppliers to balance its strategic relationships. This purchase follows the country’s acquisition of Airbus C-295W light transport aircraft and Airbus helicopters. By selecting Embraer over traditional Russian alternatives or the American C-130J, Uzbekistan is signaling a pragmatic approach to defense spending, prioritizing cost-efficiency and modern multi-role capabilities, while maintaining a neutral stance in its supplier network. For Embraer, breaking into the Central Asian market opens a gateway to neighboring nations that face similar requirements to replace aging Soviet fleets.
With this announcement, Uzbekistan joins a rapidly expanding list of nations adopting the C-390 Millennium. The aircraft has gained traction as a preferred alternative in the medium-airlift segment, challenging the long-standing dominance of the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.
Current and future operators of the C-390 now include:
The Republic of Uzbekistan has ordered two (2) C-390 Millennium aircraft.
While the specific contract value was not disclosed in today’s announcement, backlog data from Q4 2024 suggests the deal is valued at approximately US$240 million.
The C-390s are slated to replace the Uzbekistan Air Force’s aging fleet of Antonov An-12 turboprops.
Sources:
Uzbekistan Confirmed as Newest C-390 Millennium Operator
Contract Details and Timeline
Strategic Modernization and Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis
Global Market Momentum
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft did Uzbekistan order?
What is the estimated value of the contract?
What aircraft will the C-390 replace?
Embraer Media Center
Global Firepower 2025 Report (Defense Budget Context)
Photo Credit: Embraer