- 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 the U.S. 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.
Details on the KC-390 Millennium:
“The KC-390 Millennium stands out as the most
capable aircraft in its class, engineered to perform complex missions in the
most demanding environments,” Northrop Grumman and Embraer said in a press statement.
Designed and built in the 21st century to withstand current and future threats,
this multi-mission medium airlift and tanker jet delivers superior performance,
operational flexibility, and cost efficiency. Its capabilities include aerial
refueling, agile combat employment, and rapid response across a wide range of
mission profiles.
The standard tactical transport version of the KC-390, Embraer’s
C-390 Millennium, also had news to share on Thursday.
C-390 Maintenance Facility in India
Embraer and Mahindra Group have plans to work towards
establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the
C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport
Aircraft (MTA) program. The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement
in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military
transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air
Force's MTA program, with plans to establish local manufacturing, strengthening
the 'Make in India' initiative.
Embraer says the C-390 Millennium is the most modern
military transport aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to
26 tons and higher speed and range than other medium-sized military transport
aircraft. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop
transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue,
firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The aircraft can operate from
temporary or unpaved runways and may be configured for air-to-air refueling,
both as a tanker and as a receiver.
The air forces of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the
Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden,
Slovakia, and Lithuania have selected the C-390 Millennium.
The proposed MRO facility will provide comprehensive in‑country
maintenance and sustainment for the C‑390 fleet, supporting high levels of
operational readiness and availability. The initiative reinforces the
companies’ joint commitment to positioning the C‑390 Millennium as a strong
solution for India’s future medium transport aircraft requirements.
The proposed MRO capability is expected to deliver a full
spectrum of services, including base and heavy maintenance, structural
inspections and testing, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and
training.
While the primary objective of the MRO is to support the
Indian Air Force fleet, Embraer is also evaluating the potential for India to
serve as a regional MRO hub, providing sustainment services for other C-390
Millennium operators in the future.
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