The United Arab Emirates has taken a major step in strengthening its strategic airlift and military transport capabilities through the acquisition of the Embraer C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft. The agreement, announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, represents not only the first sale of the C-390 Millennium in the Middle East, but also the largest international order for the aircraft from a single country to date.

The contract, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, includes 10 firm aircraft orders with an additional 10 options. The agreement was signed between Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement and Embraer Defense & Security.

The UAE Air Force and Air Defense selected the C-390 Millennium following an extensive evaluation and operational testing campaign carried out in UAE conditions. According to officials, the aircraft was chosen for its operational flexibility, advanced mission capabilities, and reduced lifecycle costs.

The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation multi-mission military transport aircraft designed to perform a wide spectrum of operations, including cargo and troop transport, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, aerial delivery operations, search and rescue, and support missions from semi-prepared or unpaved runways. The aircraft is also capable of rapid deployment and interoperability with allied and coalition forces, a capability considered increasingly important for modern military operations.

With a payload capacity of up to 26 tons, the C-390 offers greater transport capability compared to many aircraft in its category. The aircraft can reach speeds of approximately 470 knots and operate over long distances while maintaining high operational efficiency. Embraer has emphasized that the aircraft combines versatility, reliability, and low operating costs, making it suitable for both military and humanitarian missions.

The acquisition also reflects the UAE’s wider strategy of strengthening its national defense industrial base. Alongside the aircraft procurement agreement, Embraer signed a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Generation 5 Holding to support the long-term development of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

Under the agreement, Generation 5 Holding and Embraer will cooperate on after-sales support, technical training, industrial integration, and supply chain development connected to the C-390 program. The partnership aims to establish local support infrastructure capable of ensuring mission readiness and long-term sustainability for regional operators.

Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director of Generation 5 Holding, described the partnership as an important step in strengthening national defense industrial capabilities and accelerating knowledge transfer in advanced aerospace technologies.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated that the agreement demonstrates Embraer’s long-term commitment to the UAE and its intention to build a comprehensive strategic partnership in the region.

The UAE selection further strengthens the international profile of the C-390 Millennium program, which continues to gain traction among modern air forces seeking flexible and cost-effective transport solutions. The aircraft has already been selected by 12 countries, including several NATO members, underlining growing global confidence in the platform.

For the UAE, the acquisition significantly enhances strategic mobility and operational flexibility while supporting the country’s ambitions to become a major regional center for defense technology and aerospace support services. The inclusion of local industrial participation and technical support development also aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant and technologically advanced defense ecosystem.

As regional security challenges continue to evolve, the introduction of the C-390 Millennium into UAE service is expected to provide the country with an advanced and highly adaptable airlift capability able to support both military and humanitarian missions across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.