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.
Saab and Embraer, in partnership with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), have completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refueling between the F-39 Gripen E and the KC-390 Millennium. The campaign was carried out at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto facility, home to the Gripen Flight Test Centre.
Embraer will showcase its new KC-390 Millennium demonstrator at the Dubai Airshow 2025, featuring a fresh paint scheme. The aircraft will be displayed alongside the E195-E2 and E190F, as well as Embraer's advanced air mobility subsidiary Eve Air Mobility.
Embraer has revealed Uzbekistan and the Philippines as customers for its KC-390 airlifter and A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, respectively. The company announced this at the Singapore Airshow.
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.