Northrop, Embraer Partner on KC-390 to Pitch US, Others

1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1771542210128-2751

US Air Force, Foreign Militaries Consider KC-390 for Mobility Options

Breaking Defense reports that Embraer and Northrop Grumman have partnered on the KC-390 Millennium to pitch to the US Air Force and other foreign militaries. The partnership aims to strengthen Embraer’s bid in the US market, while Northrop is studying ways to incorporate an autonomous boom refueling system into the aircraft. This development comes after a similar agreement between Embraer and L3Harris fell apart in 2024. A new boom would enable the Millennium to refuel a wider range of aircraft, including those flown by the US Air Force.

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Key Takeaways

Embraer and Northrop Grumman partner on KC-390.
Formalized partnership aims to strengthen Embraer’s bid in the US market.
Northrop studying autonomous boom refueling system integration.

Embraer Northrop Grumman

Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate a shift towards collaborative defense solutions. The focus on autonomous boom refueling capabilities suggests a potential advantage for Embraer and Northrop in the competitive air refueling market. However, significant development work is needed to incorporate this capability into the KC-390, which could impact timelines and costs.