The United Arab Emirates has selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium for its air force, signing a contract for 10 firm aircraft and options for 10 more in the largest international C-390 order from a single country.
The agreement, announced on May 4, 2026, was awarded by the Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement, the UAE’s defense procurement agency, and marks the first C-390 order in the Middle East, Embraer said.
The aircraft will serve with the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, and support cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation and operations from unpaved runways.
Embraer said the aircraft will also support interoperability with UAE national assets and allied and partner forces.
The UAE selected the C-390 after an evaluation process that included a test campaign in the country’s operational environment, according to Embraer.
“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, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement.
Al Nuaimi said the UAE selected the aircraft after a technical and operational evaluation that considered performance, reliability, integration with existing systems and long-term multi-mission airlift requirements.
The deal gives Embraer another major customer for the C-390 as the Brazilian manufacturer works to expand the transport aircraft’s international base. The program has gained momentum among air forces seeking a modern tactical airlifter with multi-mission capability, jet performance and lower operating costs than older transport aircraft that serve in the same role.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security unit, said the company was “extremely proud” that the UAE had selected the C-390 to strengthen 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,” da Costa said.
In a separate announcement, Embraer said it signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with UAE-based Generation 5 Holding to support the C-390 program in the country and the wider Middle East. The agreement covers MRO, after-sales support, industrial and supply-chain integration, and training for technical, maintenance and operational personnel.
With the deal, the C-390 has now secured customers in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East.
