Continuing its strategy to enter the U.S. market, Embraer has reportedly reached a collaboration agreement with Northrop Grumman to develop a new version of the KC-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft, intended for aerial refueling operations for the United States Air Force (USAF) and allied nations. The announcement, made yesterday, Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida (U.S.), would mark a significant step in the Brazilian company’s efforts to position its product as a viable alternative within the U.S. next-generation air mobility and refueling program.
The joint project between Embraer and Northrop Grumman would seek to evolve the KC-390 toward a “multi-mission tanker” configuration, capable of operating under the “Agile Combat Employment” concept, an operational approach that prioritizes flexibility and deployment from forward bases. In this partnership, Northrop Grumman would assume the integration of defense systems and technologies with the aim of accelerating the delivery of new capabilities to users. The U.S. version is expected to incorporate an autonomous refueling boom, enhanced communications, greater situational awareness, and improved survivability options.
According to Tom Jones, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems division, the initiative would seek to “respond to the existing gap in advanced air mobility solutions, providing allies with greater autonomy and operational efficiency.” These statements would reflect the interest of both companies in offering an intermediate and cost-effective solution that complements the USAF’s future refueling programs, especially while the NGAS (Next-Generation Air Refueling System) continues in development.
The cooperation between Embraer and a major U.S. contractor would not be an isolated event. In 2022, the Brazilian firm had established an alliance with L3Harris for the development of the so-called Agile Tanker, a version of the KC-390 equipped with a refueling boom, intended to respond to the tactical requirements of the U.S. Air Force. However, that agreement was dissolved in October 2024, leading Embraer to reformulate its strategy for entering the United States defense market. With this new understanding with Northrop Grumman, the company would resume the path of technological cooperation with North American partners.
During 2025, Embraer maintained an active international promotion agenda for the KC-390, participating in events such as the ARSAG conference, held in Las Vegas, and the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, organized by the Air Force Association of the United States. In those presentations, the company highlighted that more than 50% of the aircraft’s components are produced in U.S. territory, a crucial aspect to comply with the requirements of the Buy American Act. Likewise, the possibility of establishing a final assembly line in the U.S. was reportedly evaluated, reinforcing the commitment to local production.
The KC-390 Millennium, currently operational in the air forces of Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and selected by several NATO member countries, has consolidated itself as a benchmark tactical transport and aerial refueling aircraft. Its ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, transport heavy loads, or conduct medical evacuations would position it as a flexible and low life-cycle cost option compared to traditional refueling platforms such as the Boeing KC-135, offering the USAF a modern, adaptable, and rapidly integrable alternative for its fleet.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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