Abu Dhabi, May 04, 2026 — The Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, the key national organization dedicated to enhancing and regulating the UAE’s defense and security industrial ecosystem, has formally awarded a significant contract to Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3). This contract includes 10 confirmed orders and 10 options to bolster the nation’s operational airlift capabilities in collaboration with a leading Emirati defense company.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, alongside Mr. Bosco da Costa Jr., President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. The signing ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO of Embraer.
This initiative includes the development of comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, along with dedicated after-sales support services tailored for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, in partnership with a national company.
After a thorough analysis and evaluation process, which featured an extensive testing campaign within the UAE’s operational environment, the UAE Air Force and Air Defense identified the C-390 Millennium as the most suitable aircraft to fulfill its critical mission requirements while optimizing operational efficiency and lifecycle costs.
The capabilities of the C-390 Millennium will empower the UAE Air Force and Air Defense to conduct a diverse range of missions. These include cargo and troop transport, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, and operations from unpaved runways, all while ensuring seamless interoperability with national assets and allied forces.
This landmark agreement stands as the largest international order for the C-390 Millennium from a single nation and highlights its inaugural success within the Middle East. It emphasizes the aircraft’s strong alignment with the demanding operational requirements of modern air forces functioning in complex environments.
H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi stated, “This contract marks a pivotal enhancement for the UAE’s military airlift capability, bolstering force readiness and operational efficiency. It enables the Armed Forces to effectively undertake a wide range of missions across various operational theaters.”
He further remarked, “The selection of the C-390 Millennium follows a rigorous technical and operational evaluation, ensuring high performance and reliability while facilitating effective integration with existing systems and enhancing the UAE’s multi-mission airlift capabilities into the future.”
“We are immensely proud that the United Arab Emirates has chosen the C-390 Millennium to enhance its airlift capabilities,” noted Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “This revolutionary, mission-proven aircraft will equip the UAE Air Force and Air Defense with the necessary versatility and performance to execute a wide array of missions anywhere, anytime, for years to come. Embraer is fully committed to delivering the C-390 capabilities and providing world-class support to the UAE, striving for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.”
The C‑390 Millennium signifies the next generation of military airlift with built-in multi-mission capability and interoperability. It sets new benchmarks for versatility, reliability, and operational efficiency, continually demonstrating its advanced military airlift potential.
