The Tawazun Council has awarded a contract to Embraer for up to 20 C-390 Millennium jets, including 10 firm orders and 10 options, to enhance the UAE’s military airlift capabilities.
This marks the first selection of the C-390 in the Middle East and represents the largest international order for the aircraft from a single country. The fleet will support a wide range of missions for the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, including troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian operations, and missions from unpaved runways.
The deal also includes the development of local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in partnership with an Emirati defence company, reinforcing domestic industrial capacity.
The selection follows extensive testing in UAE conditions, with the C-390 chosen for its operational flexibility, efficiency, and interoperability with allied forces. The agreement underscores the UAE’s focus on modernising its armed forces and strengthening long-term defence partnerships.