Brazilian Plane Maker Teams With US Defense Giant On Next Gen Refueler

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to develop a tanker variant of the KC-390 Millennium, with a focus on adding a boom refueling capability to the aircraft. The partnership aims to rapidly advance a next-generation air-refueling system, with planned enhancements including an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom and improved situational awareness. The effort is intended to address a gap in advanced air mobility solutions, particularly among allies seeking greater operational autonomy and efficiency. The partnership was announced in a statement issued on February 19, 2026, as reported by AeroTime.