ABU DHABI - The United Arab Emirates has committed to acquiring up to 20 Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft in what represents the Brazilian manufacturer's largest overseas sale of the modern airlifter to date.
The contract, formalized on May 4, 2026, during the 'Make It In The Emirates' exposition, includes 10 firm orders and options for 10 additional aircraft. The signing ceremony was attended by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and involved senior officials from the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement and Embraer executives including President and CEO Bosco da Costa Jr.
This milestone makes the UAE the first operator of the C-390 in the Middle East region. The selection followed a thorough technical and operational assessment to confirm its suitability for the harsh local environment and diverse mission set.
The C-390, developed as a more capable and efficient successor to the C-130 Hercules, offers a 26-ton payload capacity, high cruise speeds approaching 870 km/h, and the ability to operate from unpaved runways. It supports a wide array of roles including troop and cargo transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, and humanitarian relief operations. It will integrate with both UAE and coalition forces.
A key aspect of the contract is the establishment of in-country maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities through partnership with a local UAE defense company, identified in reports as Generation 5 Holding. This aligns with the UAE's strategy to build industrial resilience and localize military support capabilities as demonstrated at the exposition.
Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Tawazun Council, emphasized the enhancement to military airlift readiness and operational efficiency across varied environments. Embraer executives expressed commitment to long-term support and partnership.
With this order, the UAE could potentially become the largest operator of the C-390 if options are exercised, surpassing Brazil's current commitment of 19 aircraft. Previous customers are primarily European NATO nations replacing legacy Hercules fleets, along with others like South Korea and Uzbekistan.
The announcement has been viewed positively by markets, with Embraer shares rising following the news. Industry analysts estimate the firm portion of the order at approximately $1 billion, opening doors for further defense collaborations in the region.
The C-390 has proven popular as an export success, with its modern design, twin-jet efficiency, and multi-role flexibility. Embraer continues to develop variants including tanker configurations and is exploring ISR and maritime patrol versions.