Uzbekistan Air Force received the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Embraer (+photos)
Embraer has delivered the first of two new-generation C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. The ceremony in Brazil was attended by Air Force Commander Akhmad Burkhanov and the Director of Uztehtrade, Olimkhon Rustamov. Uzbekistan has become the first operator of such aircraft in the region. Photo.
Uzbekistan Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Embraer (+photos)
Embraer has delivered the first of two ordered new-generation C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan.
The solemn ceremony took place at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo state, with the participation of Major General Akhmad Burkhanov, Commander of the Uzbekistan Air Force, and Olimkhon Rustamov, Director of the state enterprise "Uztechtrade" (engaged in the import of military and dual-use products).
Uzbekistan became the first customer and operator of this aircraft type in Central Asia. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, also provides for a comprehensive training and support package, as well as the supply of spare parts.
"The delivery of the first C-390 Millennium represents a significant step forward in the modernization of the Uzbekistan Air Force. The aircraft's exceptional performance, versatility, and multi-mission capabilities will allow us to perform a wide range of tasks with greater efficiency and readiness. We look forward to inducting this modern platform into service and further strengthening our operational capabilities," said Akhmad Burkhanov.
"We are honored to deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force and to welcome Uzbekistan to the growing community of C-390 operators worldwide," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. He called the aircraft a new standard in medium tactical airlift, which is set to provide the country's Air Force with new capabilities and operational flexibility for decades to come.
The C-390 Millennium, designed and built in the 21st century, is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It is capable of carrying more payload (26 tons) than other medium military transport aircraft, while flying faster (470 knots) and covering longer distances.
The aircraft can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and paratrooper airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR) operations, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. At the same time, it can operate from temporary or unpaved runways.
When equipped with a quick-change air-to-air refueling (AAR) kit, the aircraft can function both as an aerial tanker and as a receiver aircraft.
In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, this new-generation multi-mission aircraft has been selected by the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Colombia, and Lithuania.
Currently, the Uzbekistan Air Force operates Il-76 and CASA C-295 (Airbus Defence and Space) military transport aircraft.