Embraer Delivers First C-390 Millennium to Uzbekistan Air Force

Embraer delivered the first of two C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Uzbekistan Air Force on September 25, 2026, marking the platform’s entry into the Central Asian market. The handover took place at the manufacturer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.

In a press release issued to mark the delivery, Embraer confirmed the aircraft will modernize Uzbekistan’s military airlift capabilities. The C-390 Millennium is slated to replace the country’s legacy Soviet-era transport platforms, taking on roles that include logistics, aerial delivery, and humanitarian relief operations.

Airframe reassignment and production history

The specific aircraft delivered to Uzbekistan bears registration UK39010 and Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 39000019. According to reporting by Air Data News, the airframe has a unique production history. It was originally allocated to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) as FAB 2861.

The airframe became available for export reassignment following a November 2023 agreement between Embraer and the Brazilian government. That agreement reduced Brazil’s total C-390 order from 22 to 19 aircraft, down from an initial commitment of 28.

Uzbekistan originally signed a contract for two C-390 aircraft in December 2024 as an undisclosed customer. Embraer officially revealed the buyer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. The aircraft completed its first flight from Gavião Peixoto on August 6, 2026, using the test registration PT-CYQ, before being publicly presented in full Uzbekistan Air Force livery on September 10, 2026.

Expanding international footprint and capabilities

The C-390 Millennium features a maximum payload capacity of 26 metric tons and a maximum cruise speed of 470 knots. These specifications position the twin-engine jet as a direct competitor to established turboprop transports in the tactical airlift segment.

The delivery to Uzbekistan represents continued export momentum for the C-390 program. Embraer has secured a series of international selections and orders in recent years. In August 2026, Colombia acquired the KC-390 Millennium variant. Other nations that have selected the platform include Sweden, South Korea, Austria, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.

Embraer highlighted the regional significance of the handover during a presentation earlier in the month, as reported by Janes.

“Today, Embraer presents the first C-390 Millennium aircraft of the Uzbekistan Air Force, making the Republic of Uzbekistan the first C-390 customer in Central Asia.”

AirPro News analysis

We view the delivery of MSN 39000019 as a strategic win for Embraer’s defense division, demonstrating the manufacturer’s ability to pivot production slots efficiently. By reallocating an airframe originally destined for the Brazilian Air Force, Embraer accelerated the delivery timeline for a new international customer. This agility is critical as the company works to capture market share from aging Soviet-era fleets like the Antonov An-12 and An-32, as well as Western platforms like the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. Securing a foothold in Central Asia also opens potential avenues for further regional sales as neighboring air forces evaluate their own modernization requirements.

Sources: Embraer