UAE signs contract for C-390 Millennium airlifters, confirms 10 jets and local MRO partnership
UAE signs contract to acquire C-390 Millennium transport aircraft on May 4, 2026 — 10 confirmed with options for 10 more and a local MRO partnership to boost defence industrialisation.
The United Arab Emirates on May 4, 2026 signed a landmark contract to purchase the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, with 10 aircraft confirmed and options for 10 additional jets. The signing, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, marks the first entry of the C-390 Millennium into the Middle East and represents the largest single international sale of the type to date. The deal also establishes a local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and support framework in partnership with a UAE defence company to deepen industrial capability.
Signing witnessed by Sheikh Mansour
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the ceremony at the Council for Defence Balance and Enabling pavilion during the fifth Make it in the UAE forum.
The contract was signed by Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary‑General of the Council for Defence Balance and Enabling, and Bosco da Costa Júnior, Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Defence & Security.
Officials described the event as a strategic milestone for the UAE’s defence modernisation and a catalyst for local industrial growth.
Deal scope and commercial terms
The agreement confirms purchase contracts for 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft, with firm options to acquire 10 more in the future.
In addition to airframe procurement, the contract includes comprehensive MRO development, integrated logistics support and after‑sales services to be established in the UAE.
This package is designed to provide lifecycle support and to transfer critical technical capabilities to a national defence partner.
Technical evaluation and selection process
The C-390 Millennium was selected following an exhaustive technical and operational assessment conducted by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.
Evaluation included field trials across multiple operating environments within the country to validate performance, reliability and integration with existing systems.
Assessors cited the platform’s blend of speed, payload capacity and adaptability as decisive factors in meeting the force’s operational requirements.
Operational roles and capabilities
The C-390 Millennium will expand the UAE’s airlift capacity for strategic transport, airdrop operations, and force insertion.
Its missions will also encompass humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, medical evacuation and sustainment of operations from semi-prepared runways.
Officials highlighted the aircraft’s interoperability with national forces and partner militaries as a key attribute for regional and coalition operations.
Industrial cooperation and capability transfer
A central element of the contract is the development of a domestic MRO and support hub in collaboration with a UAE defence company.
The partnership is expected to localise maintenance, repair and overhaul tasks, create technical employment and contribute to the government’s defence industrialisation objectives.
Authorities said the initiative will strengthen supply‑chain integration and support long‑term sustainability of the C-390 Millennium fleet within the UAE.
Significance for regional defence landscape
Industry analysts note the sale represents the C-390 Millennium’s first penetration into the Middle East market and underscores regional demand for modern, multi‑role airlifters.
The scale of the order — and the associated local support arrangements — signals growing confidence in diversified procurement pathways beyond traditional suppliers.
Officials framed the agreement as a step toward expanding the UAE’s strategic mobility and resilience across complex operational environments.
The Council for Defence Balance and Enabling described the acquisition as an operational upgrade that will raise readiness and deliver cost‑efficient lifecycle performance for the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.
Embraer Defence & Security reiterated its commitment to long‑term support, pledging technical and logistical assistance to ensure sustained availability and mission capability.
The combined procurement and industrial partnership are intended to provide immediate enhancements to airlift capacity while laying the groundwork for deeper defence manufacturing and maintenance competencies inside the UAE.
