Uzbekistan has acquired Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, becoming the first Central Asian nation to operate the advanced Brazilian platform and signaling continued diversification of the country's defense partnerships under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's reform agenda.
The announcement, revealed at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, confirms Uzbekistan as the customer for an order previously identified only as "undisclosed." European Security & Defence reported that the Uzbek Air Force plans to deploy the aircraft for transport and humanitarian missions, marking a significant leap in regional military logistics capabilities.
"We are honored by the choice of this leading Central Asia Air Force and will work in close coordination," said Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, the Brazilian manufacturer.
The C-390 Millennium, capable of carrying 26 tons of cargo at a cruising speed of 470 knots, offers capabilities that include troop transport, equipment airdrop, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. The aircraft can operate from unprepared runways—a crucial feature for Uzbekistan's varied terrain and potential deployment across Central Asia. An aerial refueling variant, the KC-390, exists but it remains unclear whether Uzbekistan selected this configuration.
In Central Asia's heartland, ancient Silk Road cities navigate modern challenges of water, borders, and development. Uzbekistan's acquisition reflects Mirziyoyev's broader defense modernization strategy, which has increasingly looked beyond traditional Russian suppliers since he came to power in 2016. The country has pursued military cooperation with , the , and now , while maintaining relationships with .
