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Northrop and Embraer Partner to Add Autonomous Boom to KC-390 for U.S. Tactical Tanker Bid

The effort targets a tactical tanker niche to support agile combat employment during the Air Force's next-generation refueling planning.

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

  • Embraer and Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding to evolve the KC-390 into a multi-mission tanker for the U.S. Air Force and allied customers.
  • The partners plan an autonomous aerial refueling boom to enable support for boom-equipped aircraft such as the F-35 while retaining the KC-390’s probe-and-drogue capability.
  • Northrop executives said they aim to demonstrate the boom technology in the low single-digit years, with development and investment levels tied to customer demand and orders.
  • Embraer signaled readiness to invest more than $500 million in a U.S. KC-390 facility if the business case supports it, noting the platform’s Buy American Act compliance.
  • The aircraft is being pitched as a short- and soft-field-capable tactical tanker to complement strategic KC-46 operations, with interest cited from allies like the Netherlands and Czechia and following a shelved 2024 L3Harris boom effort.