Despite the end of a strategic partnership with L3Harris last year, Embraer continues to aggressively promote its airlifter-tanker, the KC-390 Millennium, as the ideal solution for the United States’ future air mobility needs.
The company argues that the aircraft fits perfectly into the USAF’s new combat concept, which prioritizes operations from remote and improvised air bases. To strengthen its proposal, Embraer emphasized that more than half of the jet’s components are already manufactured in the U.S., making it compliant with American government procurement laws.
The Brazilian manufacturer has been building its credentials for this campaign. The aircraft, which marks ten years since its first flight, is already in service with eleven countries, including NATO nations. Recently, a demonstration tour in the U.S. showcased the KC-390’s versatility in missions ranging from disaster response to space operations.
A successful test with a U.S. Army HIMARS rocket launcher demonstrated its ability to operate in modern combat scenarios, moving quickly from short and austere runways.
The challenge, however, is significant. The USAF plans to keep its KC-135 tanker fleet in service until the 2050s, though it acknowledges the need for a modernization program. The long-term replacement will be the NGAS (Next-Gen Air Refueling System), which has yet to be selected. Embraer sees a window of opportunity in this transition, arguing that future warfare demands multi-mission, tactical, and lower-cost assets like the KC-390, capable of operating from locations where traditional infrastructure is absent. The company even indicates it would finance the development of a refueling probe—essential for U.S. fighters—if the Air Force shows concrete interest.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @embraer | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
