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Embraer, Northrop Partner on KC-390 for US Air Force

February 19, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Embraer and Northrop Grumman partner on KC-390 Millennium tanker.
Partnership aims to incorporate autonomous boom refueling system.
Team targets US Air Force and foreign militaries.
Development work needed for boom refueling capability.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may strengthen Embraer's bid in the US market and suggests a growing interest in autonomous refueling systems. The collaboration could also indicate a shift in Northrop Grumman's strategy towards air refueling, which may impact the competitive landscape of future mobility options.

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What Happened

Brazilian Manufacturer Teams with US Defense Giant for Tanker Bid

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer and American defense giant Northrop Grumman have announced a partnership to pitch Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium to the US Air Force and other foreign militaries. The partnership, formalized by a memorandum of understanding, aims to incorporate an autonomous boom refueling system into the KC-390, along with other mission equipment. According to executives, the team up could help Embraer break into the lucrative US market as the Pentagon weighs future mobility options. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

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Companies Mentioned