Dubai Airshow 2025: Embraer strengthens C-390 UAE bid with completion centre plans
Embraer forecasts strong sales potential for the C-390 Millennium in the Middle East. (Photo: Embraer)
The proposals, along with a recent MoU signed with local industry, move the company another step forward in its bid to replace the UAE’s ageing transport aircraft.
Embraer Defense and Security has revealed its intent to open a C-390 Millennium completion facility in the UAE, should it win its bid to replace the UAE Air Force’s ageing C-130H aircraft.
The newly unveiled plans replace the company’s previous pitch for a C-390 Millennium final assembly line in Saudi Arabia, announced at the Dubai Airshow in 2023.
When asked if Embraer would still consider opening another centre in the Middle East, Embraer Defense and Security president and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior said: “From my perspective, [for the C-390] there is no space to have two completion centres in the region. We
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher]()
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
