Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3) and the Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced today that both parties have signed a major acquisition agreement for up to 20 C-390 Millennium medium transport aircraft. The deal marks a historic milestone as the largest international order from a single country for the C-390 to date.

EAE-Embraer contract Details

While the exact financial values of the agreement remain undisclosed, the contract secures a firm order for 10 aircraft to be produced in Brazil, with an option to purchase an additional 10, bringing the potential fleet total to 20 aircraft.

The C-390 Millennium: Expanding UAE Armed Forces Capabilities

Following an extensive analysis and evaluation process—including a rigorous test campaign directly within the UAE’s complex operational environment—the UAE Air Force and Air Defense selected the C-390 Millennium as the aircraft best suited to meet its critical mission requirements.

The C-390 Millennium represents the next generation of military airlift, designed to redefine standards of versatility, reliability, and efficiency. It will enable the UAE Armed Forces to execute a diverse range of missions, including:

  • Cargo and Troop Transport: Facilitating rapid deployment and logistical support
  • Precision Airdrop Operations: Ensuring accurate delivery of supplies, equipment, and personnel.
  • Humanitarian Assistance: Providing rapid-response relief and support in crisis or disaster scenarios.
  • Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC): Enabling the safe and swift extraction of wounded personnel.
  • Austere Environment Operations: Successfully executing takeoffs and landings on unpaved or semi-prepared runways.
  • Seamless Interoperability: Integrating flawlessly with existing national assets, as well as allied and partner forces.

Strategic and Operational Enhancements

Beyond its multi-mission profile, the integration of the C-390 Millennium introduces several key strategic advantages for the Emirates:

  • Localized MRO Infrastructure: Comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, alongside after-sales support services, will be developed in direct collaboration with a national Emirati company.
  • Optimized Lifecycle Costs: The aircraft was specifically selected for its ability to maximize operational efficiency while significantly minimizing long-term lifecycle expenses.
  • Long-Term Force Readiness: The integration of the C-390 ensures high levels of performance, reliability, and readiness for decades to come, advancing the UAE’s multi-mission airlift capabilities.
“This contract represents a significant operational enhancement to the UAE’s military airlift capability, strengthening force readiness and operational efficiency, and enabling the Armed Forces to effectively execute a wide range of missions across diverse operational environments,” said H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi. He added that the selection ensures effective integration with existing systems.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, echoed this sentiment: “We are extremely proud that the United Arab Emirates has selected the C-390 Millennium to enhance its airlift capabilities. This game-changing, mission-proven aircraft will provide the UAE Air Force and Air Defense with the versatility and performance needed to carry out a wide range of missions anytime, anywhere, for decades to come. Embraer is fully committed to delivering the C-390 capability and providing world-class support to the UAE.”
Bosco da Costa Junior of Embraer (left) and H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi of the Tawazun Council (right) holding signed official documents. In the center, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan claps in celebration. They are standing behind a white table with Embraer and Tawazun flags, with UAE flags and corporate logos in the background.
The official C-390 Millennium contract signing ceremony. Left to right: Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement. The landmark agreement was also signed in the presence of Embraer President and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto.

Why This Deal is a Game-Changer for Embraer

This contract is highly strategic for Embraer, confirming the first sale of the C-390 in the lucrative Middle Eastern market.

Historically, the platform has seen immense success in Europe, securing contracts with NATO-aligned nations such as Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Sweden. These acquisitions have proven the reliability of the platform and its seamless integration with NATO-standard air forces. Prior to the UAE deal, Embraer’s primary non-European breakthrough was in South Korea, where the company won the Large Transport Aircraft (LTA) program contract in late 2023.

A heavy 8x8 military armored vehicle driving up the rear cargo ramp to be loaded into the spacious cargo bay of an Embraer C-390 Millennium, guided by a crew member using hand signals.
With a maximum cargo capacity of 26 metric tons, the C-390 Millennium's rugged design easily accommodates heavy transport and armored vehicles, optimizing mission readiness.

What is the C-390 Millennium?

The C-390 Millennium is a new-generation transport aircraft with multi-mission capabilities. Originally built to the specifications of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), the C-390 has rapidly evolved into a major commercial export success. Developed with a rugged design, the aircraft withstands operations in extreme environments, ranging from the hot and humid Amazon rainforest to the freezing Antarctic continent, being suited to execute takeoffs and landings on unpaved or semi-prepared runways.

Key Performance Specifications:

  • Capacity: Carries up to 80 troops, 4 light transport vehicles, or 2 heavy armored vehicles.
  • Payload: Maximum cargo capacity of 26 metric tons.
  • Speed: Reaches a Maximum Cruise Speed of 470 KTAS (approx. 870 km/h), making it faster than competing aircraft in its class.
  • Range: Features a ferry range of 3,370 nautical miles (6,240 km), extendable to 4,570 nautical miles (8,465 km) with internal auxiliary tanks.
An Embraer KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in green camouflage conducting a mid-air refueling operation with two fighter jets above the clouds.
Demonstrating its advanced multi-mission capabilities, the KC-390 Millennium executes a seamless mid-air refueling operation, highlighting its versatility beyond standard cargo transport.

Embraer as a Major International Player in Defense Aviation

Embraer continues to be a highlight in the international defense market, aggressively expanding its global footprint. In 2026 alone, the company signed two highly strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with local partners in major international markets:

  • Colombia (CIAC Partnership): Embraer signed an MoU with the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) to establish cooperation in the operation and maintenance of both the A-29 Super Tucano and the C-390 Millennium. While Colombia does not yet operate the C-390, it remains one of Embraer’s most critical target markets in South America. The Colombian Air Force already operates a robust fleet of 24 A-29 Super Tucanos, providing a strong foundation for integrating Embraer’s next-generation transport aircraft.
  • India (Hindalco Partnership & The MTA Program): Embraer partnered with the Indian conglomerate Hindalco, signing an MoU focused on joint efforts to identify opportunities in the manufacturing of aerospace-grade aluminum raw materials. This partnership is a direct, strategic move to target the Indian Air Force’s massive ~$12 billion USD Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which seeks to acquire 60 new transport aircraft.
    • Strategic Goal: The MTA program aims to replace the IAF’s aging fleets of Soviet-era Antonov An-32s and Ilyushin Il-76s.
    • Local Production: By partnering with Hindalco, Embraer is strictly aligning its bid with India’s mandatory “Make in India” policy. The alliance positions Embraer to act as a primary partner in the local, domestic production of the C-390 Millennium within India.

Emerging Markets and Future Acquisitions Beyond the finalized deals in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Embraer is actively pursuing several other international contracts. Advanced negotiations and prospective deals are currently in the making with Morocco, Chile, and South Africa, which would further cement the C-390 Millennium’s status as the globally preferred medium-tactical transport aircraft.