UAE acquires 10 C-390 Millennium jets in Embraer's biggest export contract

The United Arab Emirates has signed a landmark defence agreement on Monday, acquiring 10 Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft in what the Brazilian manufacturer describes as the largest international deal ever signed for the type. The contract also includes options for additional units.

The deal marks the first entry of the C-390 into the Middle East, a significant milestone for both Embraer and for the UAE's ongoing effort to modernise and diversify its military aviation capabilities.

The C-390 Millennium is one of the most versatile military transport aircraft currently in production. With a top speed of 988 km/h, a payload capacity of 26 tonnes and a range exceeding 5,000 km, it is capable of performing a wide array of missions from a single airframe: military transport, airdrop operations, aerial refuelling, humanitarian relief and medical evacuation.

This multi-role flexibility makes it particularly valuable for a country like the UAE, which operates across a complex and rapidly evolving regional security environment, one that has been dramatically reshaped by the conflict with Iran since February.

The acquisition represents a significant enhancement of UAE Air Force readiness, adding a high-performance, modern platform to a fleet already regarded as one of the most capable in the region.