kc 390
PR: Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) are working together to evolve the multi-mission KC-390 Millennium aircraft, to provide advanced tanking capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations. Together, the two companies are addressing the need for agile combat employment through joint investment and a focus on quickly delivering capabilities to the warfighter.
- The companies are joining forces to combine their insights and experiences to rapidly advance the initiatives required to deliver a next generation air-refueling system.
- Drawing on the companies’ extensive expertise in aircraft design, development and production with systems integration and industry-leading manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration sets the stage for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for US and allied air forces and shapes the requirements for future aerial logistics architectures.
- Key features will include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom, enhanced communications, situational awareness and survivability options, as well as adaptable mission systems. These improvements will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refueling operations and broaden its mission scope in operational environments.
“Northrop Grumman, together with Embraer, is making strategic investments to address the gap in advanced air mobility solutions globally. We’re listening to our customers, particularly in allied nations who seek greater operational autonomy and efficiency, and we’re exploring new technologies that will increase the versatility of the proven KC-390 platform and deliver that greater operational independence our customers need,” said Tom Jones, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.
“Together, we will leverage the strengths of two leaders in the defense industry, with a focus on developing a boom refueling system for the KC-390 Millennium so that we can bring the right capability to the U.S. Department of War and other allied nations. The KC-390 is an operationally proven and cost-effective platform that could quickly be added to the U.S. Air Force inventory,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.
Notes:
- The aerial tanker business is tough, with Boeing being the long-time King of the Hill. Airbus and its MRTT are proving very successful at eating into Boeing’s dominance.
- Boeing’s market dominance stems from one customer: the United States Air Force. This is the world’s largest tanker operator by far.
- So it catches the eye to see yet another attempt at winning the USAF as a customer if you’re not Boeing. Airbus tried with Lockheed.
- Embraer and Northrop Grumman are now working together to take another shot. Lockheed Martin obviously wouldn’t partner on this because its C-130J is competing with the KC-390, and the latter has been winning deals all through 2025.
- The Northrop Grumman angle is interesting, as this company has been successful in winning business from the US government.
- Even as this process evolves into a product, the USAF will be obliged to look at, don’t forget, the Pentagon’s existing deal with JetZero.
- The good news is that everyone can see the manifest multiplier that an aerial tanker provides. The bad news is how many nations need to project military power over distances that require this? You’re stuck with less than a handful.
- However, if you’re Embraer coming off the KC-390’s best year, this is a great time to partner with a Tier 1 US defense contractor and take a run at the USAF. Moreover, even if the USAF doesn’t buy, the KC-390’s footprint is growing, and the tanker capability is a useful feature. Outside the US, for example, India looks like a good opportunity.
- For Embraer, this is a smart move. For Northrop Grumman, it’s a useful new project.
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