Joint investment advances KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker development

MELBOURNE, FL, February 20, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) are collaborating to evolve the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to provide advanced tanking capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations.

Through joint investment, the two companies aim to address requirements for agile combat employment, with a focus on rapidly delivering enhanced capabilities. The collaboration combines expertise in aircraft design, development and production with systems integration and manufacturing capabilities.

Next-generation aerial refuelling capability

The partnership sets the stage for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for U.S. and allied air forces, while contributing to the shaping of future aerial logistics architectures.

Planned enhancements include an advanced autonomous aerial refuelling boom, enhanced communications, improved situational awareness and survivability options, as well as adaptable mission systems. According to the companies, these improvements are intended to expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refuelling operations and broaden its operational mission scope.

Tom Jones, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, said the companies are making strategic investments to address gaps in advanced air mobility solutions globally. He noted that allied nations are seeking greater operational autonomy and efficiency, and that new technologies are being explored to increase the versatility of the KC-390 platform.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the collaboration will focus on developing a boom refuelling system for the KC-390 Millennium to deliver appropriate capability to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations. He added that the KC-390 is an operationally proven and cost-effective platform that could be integrated into the U.S. Air Force inventory.

KC-390 Millennium capability

The KC-390 Millennium is a medium multi-mission airlift and tanker jet designed to perform complex missions in demanding environments. Its capabilities include aerial refuelling, agile combat employment and rapid response across a wide range of mission profiles.

Designed and built in the 21st century, the aircraft is intended to withstand current and future threats, while delivering operational flexibility and cost efficiency.

Company profiles

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace and defence technology company providing systems and solutions across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.

Embraer Defense & Security Inc. (EDSI), a subsidiary of Embraer Defense & Security, provides aircraft and integrated solutions including the A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft, the KC-390 Millennium military airlifter and air-to-air refueller, as well as Command-and-Control (C4I), Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), ground and space systems. Its products and solutions are present in more than 60 countries.

EDSI assembles the A-29 Super Tucano in Jacksonville, Florida, for American and Foreign Military Sales customers worldwide, and provides spare parts, services and support for the global A-29 FMS fleet.

Embraer is also a manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats, maintaining industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centres across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.