Uzbekistan is purchasing the latest C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, Brazilian company Embraer announced at the Singapore Air Show. The Air Force of the Uzbek Defense Ministry will be the first operator of this type of aircraft in Central Asia.
The C-390 will be used primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, significantly expanding the Air Force's capabilities, the company added.
The C-390 Millennium can carry more cargo (26 tons) than other medium-sized military transport aircraft, boasting a higher speed (470 knots), and a longer range.
It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, airdrop of equipment and personnel, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations. The aircraft can take off and land on temporary and unpaved runways.
Equipped with a quick-release aerial refueling rig and designated KC-390, the aircraft can be used as both a tanker and a refueller.
"The Millennium is fully interoperable with NATO systems and is particularly suitable for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations," the statement noted.
The C-390 Millennium has been selected by the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
The Uzbek Air Force currently operates Il-76 and CASA C-295 military transport aircraft.
