► Embraer and Northrop Grumman Jointly Developing Advanced Air Mobility Capabilities for U.S. and Allied Nations

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Melbourne, FL, February 20, 2026 – 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. 

The post ► Embraer and Northrop Grumman Jointly Developing Advanced Air Mobility Capabilities for U.S. and Allied Nations appeared first on EDR Magazine.

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Classification
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Weapons & Equipment / Logistics
Subcategory
New Weapon System
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
Embraer and Northrop Grumman are developing advanced air mobility capabilities and a next-generation air-refueling system for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations.
Location
Melbourne
Unit
Embraer and Northrop Grumman
Time
February 20, 2026
Equipment
KC-390 Millennium aircraftautonomous aerial refueling boom
Summary

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are developing advanced air mobility capabilities and a next-generation air-refueling system for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations in Melbourne, Florida, as of February 20, 2026. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the KC-390 Millennium aircraft with features like an autonomous aerial refueling boom and improved situational awareness.

Key Facts
  • Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating on the KC-390 Millennium aircraft.
  • The project aims to enhance air-refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations.
  • Key features include an advanced autonomous aerial refueling boom and enhanced situational awareness.
  • The collaboration addresses the need for agile combat employment and operational autonomy.
  • The KC-390 is described as a cost-effective platform for the U.S. Air Force.