Sao Paolo; September 2026: Uzbekistan becomes the first operator of the C-390 Millennium aircraft in Central Asia, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to modernise and strengthen its air mobility capabilities.
Embraer has delivered the first C‑390 Millennium multi‑mission transport aircraft to the Uzbekistan Air Force during an official ceremony held at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, which was attended by Major General Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Air Force and Olimkhon Bakiyevich Rustamov, Director of the State institution "O‘ztextreyd" representing the Republic of Uzbekistan. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, also includes 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 for the modernisation of the Uzbekistan Air Force. The aircraft's exceptional performance, versatility and multi-mission capabilities will enable us to execute a broad range of missions with greater efficiency and readiness. We look forward in introducing this state-of-the-art platform into service and further strengthening our operational capabilities", said Major General Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
"We are honoured to deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force and welcome Uzbekistan to the growing community of C-390 operators worldwide", said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defence & Security. "The selection of the C-390 confirms its status as the most advanced air mobility solution available today. This delivery reinforces our commitment in supporting Uzbekistan with unmatched capability, and operational flexibility for decades to come".
With this first delivery, Uzbekistan joins a growing group of nations operating the C-390 Millennium, reinforcing the aircraft's position as the new standard in medium tactical airlift.
The C-390 Millennium, built and designed in the 21st century, is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refuelling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver.
In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, this next-generation multi-mission aircraft has been selected by the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Colombia and Lithuania. The C-390 Millennium delivers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility, and performance to meet the tactical and strategic needs of air forces worldwide with seamless interoperability.
Angola: The National Air Force of Angola mentioned ordering 04 C-390s to replace its Antonov An-12 and other transport aircraft during a visit of the Brazilian president Lula in August 2023.
Egypt: Following collaboration agreements between Embraer and Egypt, there is a hope for a purchase of the C-390 for the Egyptian Air Force.
Finland: In April 2025 it was announced by Embraer that the Finnish Air Force was interested in the C-390 to supplement existing Tactical Transport Aircraft.
India: Embraer signed an initial agreement with Mahindra Group (parent company of Mahindra Aerostructures) in February 2024 with the intention of working together to offer C-390 Millenium aircraft to the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft procurement project. Embraer further placed an official proposal to establish an assembly line in India in September 2024. On 17 October 2025, Embraer and Mahindra has signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance the C-390 Millennium aircraft for the IAF's MTA programme. Simultaneously, Embraer inaugurated its national office in Aerocity, New Delhi. On 20 February 2026, they announced their plans to advance location selection to establish an MRO base in India subject to IAF's selection of C-390.
Lithuania: The Lithuanian Air Force have started negotiations to purchase and add C-390s to its fleet. As of January 2026, the order was delayed for beyond 2030.
Morocco: Morocco has received 01 KC-390 Millennium for testing purposes, pending a potential acquisition agreement between Morocco and Brazil. In late 2024, Morocco announced it had selected the C-390 to replace its C-130 fleet.
Poland: In September 2025, Embraer offered the KC-390 to the Polish Air Force to fulfil its transport and tanker needs. Embraer suggested 20 airframes could be sold to Poland, with localised production included in the offer.
Rwanda: The Rwandan Air Force is cited as a potential client for 02 C-390s.
Saudi Arabia: In November 2023, it was reported that Embraer and Saudi Arabia's SAMI have partnered to pitch the C-390 transport to the Saudi Arabian government, including the potential for local assembly and support.
Slovakia: The Slovak Air Force selected the C-390 in December 2024. Negotiations for the purchase of 03 aircraft are to begin.
South Africa: The South African Air Force is in discussion for 06 C-390s as of September 2023.
United States: Embraer partnered with L3Harris to market the KC-390 to the United States Air Force (USAF) in 2022, but the partnership fell apart in late 2024. Embraer has stated it still intends to market the KC-390 to the United States, specifically as a contender in the Next Generation Air Refuelling System (NGAS). In 2025, L3Harris stated that they maintained a relationship with Embraer regarding Embraer's "Agile Tanker" concept of the KC-390.
Embraer is developing a boom refuelling system for the KC-390 to tailor to the USAF's need, and asserts that with local assembly, around 70% of the aircraft would be made of American-sourced components, and would abide by the Buy American Act. In 2024, a Brazilian Air Force KC-390 participated in Exercise Storm Flag, demonstrating austere takeoff capabilities to the USAF.
In June 2025, Embraer announced it was in talks with Northrop Grumman to pitch the C-390 to the USAF. The Brazilian Air Force sent a KC-390 on tour to the United States in late April and early May 2025 to showcase its capabilities. Under a memorandum of understanding, Northrop will explore options to develop an autonomous boom refuelling system for Embraer’s KC-390, hoping to attract US and international customers.
Turkey: In April 4, 2025, it was confirmed by the Brazilian Minister of Defence that negotiations with Turkey were open for the potential acquisition of the C-390.
Meanwhile, BAE Systems signed an agreement with Embraer to market the C-390 to Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and United Arab Emirates.
In April 2024, Embraer and Brazilian postal company Correios signed a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on air cargo transport. The partnership includes a plan to evaluate the C-390 as a civilian cargo aircraft for Correios.
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