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

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Sniper Networked Targeting Pod in Multi-Aircraft Flight

On January 30, 2026, Lockheed Martin successfully completed the inaugural flight demonstration of its Sniper® Networked Targeting Pod (NTP). Conducted using two F-16 Fighting Falcon Military-Aircraft, the test validated the system’s ability to function as a high-speed network node, transforming the traditional targeting sensor into a “battlespace connector” capable of sharing data across platforms in real time.

According to the company’s announcement, the demonstration proved that the Sniper NTP could facilitate the flow of targeting data between two airborne pods and a ground station simultaneously. This development represents a significant step in the practical application of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) strategy, which seeks to integrate sensors from all military services into a unified network.

The flight test highlighted the integration of a “Hybrid Base Station” (HBS) within the pod, a modular upgrade designed to provide edge computing and advanced datalinks without altering the pod’s external aerodynamics or requiring extensive aircraft modifications.

Technical Capabilities and the Hybrid Base Station

The Sniper NTP builds upon the widely deployed Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). The “Networked” variant introduces specific technological layers designed to bridge the gap between legacy aircraft and modern stealth platforms. At the core of this upgrade is the Hybrid Base Station.

Lockheed Martin describes the HBS as a modular unit that fits into the existing pod structure. It functions effectively as an airborne server, processing data locally, known as “edge computing”, to provide pilots with immediate, actionable intelligence. This reduces the reliance on ground-based analysis, which can introduce delays in combat scenarios.

5th-to-4th Generation Interoperability

A primary objective of the Sniper NTP is to solve the communication barrier between 4th-generation fighters, such as the F-16, and 5th-generation assets like the F-35 Lightning II. The system supports the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), the stealthy communication protocol utilized by the F-35.

By acting as a bridge, the Sniper NTP allows a stealthy F-35 to detect a target and pass that data silently to a non-stealthy F-16 equipped with the pod. The F-16 can then engage the target using long-range munitions, allowing the F-35 to maintain its stealth profile. This capability addresses a longstanding interoperability gap where different generations of aircraft historically struggled to share data without compromising stealth or utilizing cumbersome gateways.

Mesh Networking and Ground Connectivity

The demonstration also showcased the pod’s use of Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) radios. These radios create a resilient “mesh” network that can automatically reroute data through different nodes, whether other aircraft or ground units, if a connection is lost. Furthermore, the system connects with ground forces using standard tactical terminals, compatible with legacy ROVER systems and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), enabling Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to view pilot feeds and digitally designate targets.

Strategic Context: Enabling JADC2

The successful flight demonstration on January 30 aligns with broader military efforts to shorten the “kill chain”, the time it takes to identify and engage a target, from minutes to seconds. In the press release, Lockheed Martin emphasized the necessity of integrated functions in modern warfare.

“Precision intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) are no longer sequential activities, but integrated functions executed in parallel, where split-second decisions depend on trusted data moving instantly and reliably between platforms.”

Lockheed Martin Press Release

By embedding these networking capabilities directly onto the aircraft’s hardpoint via the targeting pod, the Sniper NTP offers a solution that avoids expensive avionics overhauls for the jet itself. This approach allows legacy fleets to remain relevant in a data-centric battlespace.

AirPro News Analysis

The Market for Networked Sensors

While Lockheed Martin’s demonstration marks a significant milestone, the market for advanced targeting pods remains highly competitive. The Sniper NTP competes directly with systems like Northrop Grumman’s LITENING pod, which is widely fielded by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and emphasizes open-architecture datalinks. Similarly, the Legion Pod (also by Lockheed Martin) and Rafael’s Litening 5 offer alternative capabilities, suchs as Infrared Search and Track (IRST) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) integration.

Export and Modernization Potential

From our perspective, the strategic value of the Sniper NTP lies heavily in the global export market. With thousands of F-16s currently in service worldwide, many operated by allied nations that are also acquiring F-35s, the ability to “bridge” these fleets without buying new airframes is a compelling value proposition. This technology effectively extends the operational life of 4th-generation fighters, allowing them to function as “flying servers” and weapons trucks in support of more advanced, expensive stealth assets.

Following this demonstration, industry observers expect the system to be tested in major joint exercises, such as Valiant Shield or Northern Edge, where JADC2 capabilities are frequently rigorously evaluated in simulated Indo-Pacific theater scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Sniper ATP and the Sniper NTP?

The Sniper NTP (Networked Targeting Pod) includes a “Hybrid Base Station” that adds edge computing, 5th-generation datalinks (MADL), and mesh networking capabilities to the standard targeting and surveillance functions of the original Sniper ATP.

Which aircraft were used in the demonstration?

The demonstration on January 30, 2026, utilized two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

Does the Sniper NTP require changes to the aircraft’s body?

No. The upgrades are contained within the pod itself, which mounts to existing hardpoints. This avoids the need for major structural or avionics modifications to the host aircraft.

What is the strategic purpose of this technology?

It is designed to support Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) by allowing different types of aircraft (4th and 5th generation) and ground forces to share targeting data instantly, shortening the time required to make combat decisions.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin