This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Confirms First ROKAF C-390 in Final Assembly at Singapore Airshow 2026

At the Singapore Airshow 2026 today, Embraer announced a significant milestone for its expansion into the Asian defense market: the first C-390 Millennium aircraft destined for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has officially entered the final assembly stage. The announcement confirms that production is on schedule following the contract signed in December 2023.

While Embraer showcased a C-390 on static display at the airshow to demonstrate the platform’s capabilities to regional attendees, the company clarified that the specific airframe intended for South Korea is currently being assembled at the production facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. According to the manufacturers, the aircraft will soon proceed to production flights ahead of its scheduled delivery.

Production Status and Delivery Timeline

The update provided at the Singapore Airshow marks a critical step in the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) II program. Embraer confirmed that once the final assembly is complete, the aircraft will undergo flight testing followed by the integration of mission systems tailored specifically to ROKAF requirements.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the progress of the program during the event:

The progress of Republic of Korea’s first C-390 Millennium demonstrates both the efficiency and maturity of our production line and the strength of our partnership with DAPA, ROKAF and our Korean suppliers. This aircraft represents advanced multi-mission capabilities and reliability backed by engineering excellence for ROKAF.

According to the program timeline released by Embraer, the first of the three ordered aircraft is scheduled for delivery by December 2026. This keeps the manufacturer on track to fulfill the deal valued at approximately 710 billion won ($544 million), which made South Korea the first Asian operator of the C-390 platform.

Configuration and Technical Specifications

The ROKAF C-390 fleet will feature a configuration distinct from the standard “KC-390” tanker-transport variant often seen in other markets. According to details released regarding the contract, the South Korean units will be configured primarily for transport missions.

Key configuration details include:

• Refueling Capabilities: The initial delivery configuration excludes underwing refueling pods and the aerial refueling probe, though the design retains the ability to retrofit these systems if future mission requirements dictate.
• Avionics Integration: The aircraft will be equipped with Link 16 tactical data links and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems specifically integrated to meet South Korean military standards.
• Performance: The aircraft is powered by twin IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines, offering a top speed of 470 knots (approx. 870 km/h) and a 26-ton payload capacity.

This jet-powered configuration was a decisive factor in the LTA II tender, where the C-390 competed against and ultimately defeated the turboprop-driven Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and the Airbus A400M Atlas.

Industrial Cooperation and Offset Program

A central component of the agreement between Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is a comprehensive industrial offset package. Embraer has committed to integrating South Korean companies into its global supply chain, a move intended to foster mutual growth rather than a simple transactional relationship.

According to the press release and previous contract details, key South Korean partners include:

• ASTG (Aerospace Technology of Global): Responsible for manufacturing key structural parts.
• EMK (EM Korea): Tasked with the production of machined parts.
• Kencoa Aerospace: Supplying assembled structural components.

Additionally, the contract stipulates the establishment of a local MRO center in South Korea. This facility will ensure domestic support for the fleet and potentially serve as a regional hub as Embraer seeks further customers in Asia.

AirPro News Analysis

The confirmation of the ROKAF C-390’s final assembly status is more than a routine production update; it is a strategic signal to the wider Asian market. By adhering strictly to the delivery timeline set for December 2026, Embraer is demonstrating the reliability of its supply-chain, a critical metric for potential customers like India, where Embraer is currently bidding for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program in partnership with the Mahindra Group.

Furthermore, the successful integration of indigenous Korean suppliers (ASTG, EMK, Kencoa) validates Embraer’s “partnership” sales model. In a defense market often dominated by rigid Foreign Military Sales (FMS) structures from US manufacturers, Embraer’s flexibility in offering meaningful industrial offsets appears to be a winning differentiator. The operational data generated by the ROKAF fleet, once active, will likely serve as the primary case study for other nations in the region considering a shift from legacy turboprops to jet-powered tactical transport.

Sources:
Embraer Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer and background industry data.

Uzbekistan Confirmed as Newest C-390 Millennium Operator

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.

Contract Details and Timeline

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:

• December 27, 2024: Embraer announces a contract signing with an undisclosed customer.
• January 2025: Industry reports begin identifying Uzbekistan as the likely purchaser.
• February 3, 2026: Official reveal at the Singapore Airshow.

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.”

Strategic Modernization and Capabilities

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).

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Global Market Momentum

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:

• Americas: Brazil.
• Europe: Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
• Asia: South Korea and now Uzbekistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft did Uzbekistan order?

The Republic of Uzbekistan has ordered two (2) C-390 Millennium aircraft.

What is the estimated value of the contract?

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.

What aircraft will the C-390 replace?

The C-390s are slated to replace the Uzbekistan Air Force’s aging fleet of Antonov An-12 turboprops.

Sources:
Embraer Media Center
Global Firepower 2025 Report (Defense Budget Context)

Airbus and Singapore Achieve World-First Full A3R Certification for A330 MRTT

On February 4, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), announced a significant milestone in military aviation history. According to an official company statement, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) has received full certification for its Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) system. This certification, granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), marks the first time a boom refuelling system has been cleared for fully automated operations during both day and night conditions.

The announcement confirms that the RSAF is now the first air force globally to possess an operationally certified automatic boom capability that covers a complete range of mission profiles. The certification encompasses operations with the RSAF’s core fleet, including the F-15SG, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the A330 MRTT itself acting as a receiver.

This development transitions the A3R technology from a testing phase into a mature, combat-ready capability. The system will be deployed with the RSAF’s 112 Squadron at Changi Air Base, enhancing the operational efficiency of their tanker fleet.

Operational Capabilities and Technical Details

The newly certified A3R system represents a shift from manual, high-workload refuelling tasks to a supervised automated process. According to technical details provided by Airbus, the system utilizes a suite of cameras and sensors to detect the receiver aircraft. Once the Air Refuelling Operator (ARO) activates the system, the automated flight control laws guide the boom into the receiver’s receptacle without manual input.

A critical advantage of this specific system, as noted in the press release, is that it requires no additional equipment or modifications on the receiver aircraft. The technology is entirely housed within the tanker, allowing it to service existing fleets of F-15s and F-16s immediately.

“The certification of A3R with Singapore is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of what long-term partnerships can deliver… fielding a capability that will shape the future of air-to-air refuelling.”

, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space

The primary benefits cited by the manufacturer include increased safety by reducing human error during the critical contact phase, optimized fuel transfer rates, and significant workload reduction for operators. This is particularly vital during long-duration night missions, where operator fatigue can be a limiting factor.

Timeline of Development and Collaboration

The road to full certification has been a multi-year joint effort between Airbus, the RSAF, and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). The collaboration, formally announced as the “SMART MRTT” program at the Singapore Airshow in February 2020, has progressed through several distinct phases:

• 2018: The first automated contact with a boom system was demonstrated in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• July 2022: The A330 MRTT became the first tanker certified for A3R operations in daylight conditions only.
• August 2023: Extensive flight trials were conducted in Singapore, involving over 500 automated contacts to validate night operations and certify the F-15SG.
• February 2026: Full certification was achieved for unrestricted day and night use.

“Achieving full certification of A3R is a significant achievement as Singapore’s A330 MRTTs can now perform automatic refuelling both in daytime and at night.”

, Ng Chad-son, Chief Executive, DSTA

AirPro News Analysis

This certification provides Airbus with a distinct competitive advantage in the strategic tanker market. While competitors like Boeing have demonstrated autonomous capabilities with the KC-46 Pegasus in flight tests, the A330 MRTT is now the only platform with a fully certified, operationally deployed automatic boom system for both day and night missions.

For the RSAF, this capability offers a tangible operational edge. Night refuelling is a standard requirement for modern combat operations to evade detection. By automating this process, the RSAF ensures higher consistency and safety margins in low-visibility environments, reinforcing Singapore’s strategy of co-developing advanced defense technologies rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A3R?

A3R stands for Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling. It is a system that automates the contact between the tanker’s boom and the receiver aircraft, reducing the need for manual control by the operator.

Does the fighter jet need special equipment?

No. According to Airbus, the A3R system requires no modifications to the receiver aircraft (e.g., the F-16 or F-15SG).

Who certified this technology?

The certification was granted by INTA (Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology), the certifying authority for Airbus military-aircraft derivatives.

Sources

• Airbus