A Breaking Defense exclusive reveals that the partnership between American defence contractor L3Harris and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to introduce the C-390 Millennium to the U.S. Air Force has come to an end. The partnership, announced in 2022, initially planned for L3Harris to act as the prime contractor and equip the aircraft with U.S. mission systems, including a refuelling boom, creating the American KC-390.
Embraer Defense and Security CEO Bosco da Costa Jr. informed Breaking Defense that L3Harris “decided not to move on [it] because of other priorities.” Although L3Harris initially saw potential in the KC-390 and considered being a major supplier, they chose to withdraw from the partnership. L3Harris declined to comment on the situation.
Concerns regarding the C-390’s competitiveness in the U.S. market, especially against the established Lockheed Martin C-130J in airlift capabilities, may have contributed to L3Harris’s decision. As a potential tanker, the C-390 might not fulfil the US Air Force’s performance requirements.
Despite the setback, Embraer remains dedicated to securing U.S. contracts for the C-390 and is actively developing new strategies. The company is exploring various options, including collaborations with other U.S. companies, potentially through mergers and acquisitions. Embraer is also considering various contracting strategies, including operating as the prime contractor independently.
Embraer has submitted a bid for the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) program and is evaluating the KC-135 Tanker Recapitalization program as a way to enter the U.S. market. They are searching for partners to enhance their capabilities and are even contemplating a final assembly line in the U.S.
To meet the specific needs of the U.S. Air Force, Embraer has conducted studies confirming the feasibility of adding a refuelling boom to the C-390. While production hasn’t started, Embraer believes the C-390 is a readily available solution for the U.S. Air Force’s current tanker needs. Embraer’s commitment to the C-390 and its proactive approach suggest it will continue to be a competitor in the US defence industry.
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Has anybody considered a newer version of the C-17 to replace older C-17s in the fleet plus have Lockheed Martin propose a C-5B replacement?
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If we could get 15 years out of C-5B s, so much the good. But time is getting short as we have messes in the Mideast and Ukraine. Pretending you have a solution is not the answer but thinking up solutions is preferable to doing nothing.
If it was me, I would have advised the President to break the Boeing strike and order employees back to work immediately. Secondly, advise the President to order the FAA out of Boeing’s properties and let the employees resume assembling airplanes of all types. You will see a different attitude in the minds of employees as they strive to make good decisions in building airplanes. A few FAA employees left behind for questions employees might have. I would rather see both FAA and Boeing helping each other than in choking Boeing.
Bottom line, Boeing will produce more airplanes safely and see a increase in stock values plus increases in orders. Let’s make good things happen!