Embraer is advancing its campaign to introduce the C/KC-390 tactical transport to the U.S. military market, with Northrop Grumman emerging as a potential new strategic partner. The Brazilian manufacturer confirmed early-stage discussions with the U.S. defense giant as it seeks to establish itself as a serious player in America’s defense sector.
Strategic Partnership Potential
Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior revealed the talks with Northrop Grumman, citing the U.S. company’s expertise in systems integration and air-to-air refueling technology as key assets. The potential collaboration follows Embraer’s dissolved partnership with L3Harris last year on an “Agile Tanker” concept, which ended due to differing priorities between the companies.
US Market Entry Strategy
Embraer has been actively promoting the KC-390’s capabilities through a U.S. tour featuring a Brazilian air force aircraft, with stops in Nevada, Florida, and Maryland. The company is laying groundwork for potential U.S. production, including plans to open an American assembly line that would create thousands of high-tech jobs while increasing the aircraft’s domestic content beyond its current Buy American Act-compliant levels.
High-Level Government Engagement
The defense chief’s efforts include a recent meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, signaling Embraer’s serious commitment to the U.S. market. These diplomatic and industrial moves come as Embraer seeks to position the KC-390 as a viable alternative to Boeing’s C-17 and Lockheed Martin’s C-130 in certain mission profiles.
Current Program Status
The KC-390 program has delivered 10 aircraft to date—seven to Brazil, one to Hungary, and two to Portugal—from a total order book of 42 units. Embraer continues to market the multi-role aircraft’s versatility, which currently offers hose-and-drogue refueling capability but could be adapted for boom refueling with the right partner.
Future Development Path
While discussions with Northrop Grumman remain preliminary, the potential partnership could significantly enhance the KC-390’s prospects in the competitive U.S. defense market. Embraer’s systematic approach—combining technology demonstrations, industrial planning, and high-level engagement—demonstrates its long-term commitment to becoming a meaningful defense contractor in the United States.
