Embraer has confirmed Uzbekistan and the Philippines as the formerly undisclosed recipients of the company’s KC-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.
The acquisitions mark the first time a Central Asian nation joins international KC-390 customers, as well as the continued reliance of a Southeast Asian government on its light attack systems.
The Brazilian defense contractor has yet to confirm the number of KC-390 refueling aircraft for Tashkent, though the country opted for two platforms when the procurement was initially announced.
Separately, Manila will receive six A-29s under its latest investment, increasing its armed forces’ overall Super Tucanos to a dozen following a 2017 purchase.
Embraer is expected to begin deliveries for Uzbekistan and the Philippines later in 2026.
Advanced Tanker
The 35-meter (115-foot) KC-390 Millennium is the tanker variant of Embraer’s proven C-390 tactical airlifter.
While both have a maximum fuel load of 23,000 kilograms (50,706 pounds), the KC-390 adds special capabilities for air-to-air replenishment, including underwing pods and optional internal structures to expand its offload capacity to up to 35,000 kilograms (77,161 pounds).
It is fitted with twin IAE V2500-E5 turbofan engines for a flight speed exceeding 900 kilometers (559 miles) per hour, altitudes up to 11,000 meters (36,089 feet), and a range of 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles).
Flexible Asset
Meanwhile, the 11-meter (36-foot) A-29 Super Tucano is built for auxiliary firepower, close-air support, surveillance, and pilot training.
The plane, operable from unpaved runways, can be equipped with machine guns, cannons, precision-guided bombs, and missiles, depending on mission objectives.
The plane is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine, enabling a top speed of 590 kilometers (367 miles) per hour, a service ceiling of 10,668 meters (35,000 feet), and coverage of up to 1,330 kilometers (826 miles).
