Key Takeaways
- Embraer and Northrop Grumman collaborate on KC-390 tanker variant.
- Boom refueling capability being added to aircraft.
- Next-generation air-refueling system aims for ‘greater operational autonomy and efficiency’.
Embraer and Northrop Grumman Pitch KC-390 Tanker to US with Boom Refueling
US Air Force, Allied Operators Targeted by Next-Gen Air-Refueling System
Embraer and Northrop Grumman are working together to evolve the KC-390 Millennium into a tanker variant with boom refueling capability. The collaboration aims to rapidly advance a next-generation air-refueling system for the US Air Force and allied operators. According to Embraer Defense and Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior, the aircraft is ‘operationally proven and cost-effective,’ suggesting it could be added to the US Air Force inventory quickly. This partnership follows an earlier KC-390 effort with L3Harris Technologies that ended in 2024.
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