The Embraer military transport, the C390 Millennium, has just added the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to its growing customer base. The aircraft and Embraer’s military segment are on a roll, racking up sales to multiple customers in recent months, including strong NATO sales. The deal announced today, the first for the aircraft in the Middle East, entails 10 firm orders and 10 options.
The contract was signed by the Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement for the United Arab Emirates with Embraer Defense and Security. An additional agreement for comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities will be developed with a UAE-based company.
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A Multi-Mission Aircraft
The UAE undertook an extensive analysis and evaluation process, including flight testing in the UAE and its unique environment. The C-390 Millennium was selected after that process as best suited to critical mission requirements while optimizing operational efficiency and lifecycle costs. Missions the C-390 Millennium will perform include cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, operation from unpaved runways, and seamless interoperability with UAE and allied forces.
H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of the Tawazun Council, said: “This contract represents a significant operational enhancement to the UAE’s military airlift capability, strengthening forcereadiness and operational efficiency, and enabling the Armed Forces to effectively execute a wide range of missions across diverse operational environments. The selection of the C-390 Millennium follows a comprehensive technical and operational evaluation, ensuring high levels of performance and reliability, while supporting effective integration with existing systems and advancing the UAE’s multi-mission airlift capabilities over the long term.”
“We are extremely proud that the United Arab Emirates has selected the C-390 Millennium to enhance its airlift capabilities,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “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. Embraer is fully committed to delivering the C-390 capability and providing world-class support to UAE, with the objective of building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.”
The Bottom Line
The C-390 continues to win procurement battles against the aging Lockheed C-130 in the large military utility and transport aircraft market. This procurement will likely open the door to additional Middle Eastern customers for the aircraft, which is already showing significant success with multiple NATO forces. The C-390 Millennium appears to be a strong winner in the marketplace.
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