Abu dhabi: Generation 5 Holding, a UAE-based defense and technology company, and Brazilian aerospace leader Embraer have signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement to encompass the C 390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft within the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalized at the Make It in the Emirates 2026 platform in Abu Dhabi. It was signed by Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi, Managing Director of Generation 5 Holding, and Mr. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, Chairman of Generation 5 Holding, and Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.
This partnership aims to develop comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities and offer after-sales support for the C 390 Millennium in the UAE and the Middle East. The focus is on mission readiness, rapid response, and long-term fleet sustainability for regional operators. The agreement also provides for industrial and supply chain integration opportunities related to the aircraft and includes training programs for technical, maintenance, and operational personnel, facilitating knowledge transfer and workforce development.
Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi stated that the partnership with Embraer reflects a long-term commitment to bolstering defense industrial capabilities in maintenance, repair, and training within the UAE. He emphasized the importance of accelerating knowledge transfer and expanding advanced technical capabilities to support the C-390 Millennium locally, aligning with the UAE's vision for a self-reliant defense ecosystem.
Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted Embraer's dedication to the UAE through this partnership with Generation 5, a recognized major industrial player. He noted that the collaboration enables the delivery of world-class support, training, and industrial participation for the C 390 programme in the UAE.
This agreement marks a significant strategic advancement, with both parties moving towards full implementation after finalizing specific conditions.
The C 390 Millennium sets new benchmarks for versatility, reliability, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in military airlift capabilities. It is already selected by 12 countries and can carry more payload (26 tons) than other medium-sized military transport aircraft, while flying faster (470 knots) and farther. The aircraft is capable of executing various missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations, even on temporary or unpaved runways like packed earth, soil, and gravel.