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Northrop and Embraer Partner to Adapt KC-390 Into Multi-Mission Tanker for U.S. and Allies

The effort centers on an autonomous centerline boom to broaden refueling options, with early demonstrations targeted within a few years pending customer commitments.

Embraer Northrop Grumman KC-390 Millennium aerial refueling tanker
A concept released by Embraer showing a KC-390 Millenium with a centerline boom refueling system while flying with USAF F-35 Lightning II jets. (Image credit: Embraer)
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Overview

  • The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Feb. 19 to jointly pitch a KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker to the U.S. Air Force and allied operators.
  • Northrop is studying an autonomous boom that would retain the KC-390’s probe-and-drogue system and enable refueling of boom-only receivers such as the F-35.
  • Officials are positioning the midsize aircraft for agile combat employment, emphasizing soft-field operations, short runways, and combined cargo and refueling roles.
  • Leaders aim to demonstrate the boom technology in the low single-digit years, with timing and scope tied to funding and orders, particularly from the U.S. Air Force.
  • The team is assessing U.S. industrial investment and retrofit paths after a previous L3Harris partnership ended in 2024, as KC-46 purchases and NGAS planning shape the market.