Brazilian company Embraer has delivered the first of the ordered new-generation C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to the Air Force of the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan. This was reported by Embraer's press service. The official ceremony took place at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto test facility in São Paulo state.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Uzbekistan Air Force, Major General Ahmad Burkhanov, and the Director of the state enterprise "Uztextrade" Olimkhon Rustamov. Uzbekistan became the first customer and operator of this type of aircraft in Central Asia. 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 is a significant step forward in modernizing the Uzbekistan Air Force. The aircraft's exceptional flight performance, versatility, and multi-role capabilities will allow us to perform a wide range of tasks with higher efficiency and readiness. We look forward to accepting this modern platform into service and further strengthening our operational capabilities," said Ahmad Burkhanov.
"It is a great honor for us to deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force and welcome Uzbekistan to the growing community of C-390 operators around the world," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. He called the aircraft a new standard in medium-range tactical air transport and emphasized that it should provide the country's air force with new capabilities and operational flexibility for decades to come.
Developed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is considered the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry more cargo (26 tons), reach a higher speed (470 knots), and cover longer distances compared to other medium-lift military transport aircraft. The aircraft can perform a wide range of missions, including transport of cargo and personnel, airdropping of equipment and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR) operations, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. It can also use temporary or unpaved runways.
When equipped with a quick-change aerial refueling kit (AAR), the aircraft can perform both as an air tanker and as a receiver. In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, this new-generation multi-role 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.
Source: www.gazeta.uz