In co-operation with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Saab and Embraer have successfully completed the certification for in-flight refuelling of Saab F-39 E Gripen fighter by the Embraer KC-390 Millennium tanker/transport aircraft, the two companies announced on 14 November 2025.
Conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Centre at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, and co-ordinated by the FAB’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA), the campaign brought together engineers and test pilots from Saab, Embraer and the FAB. During the flight test campaign, named Operation ‘Samaúma’ by the FAB, a range of flight configurations, speeds and altitudes were evaluated and confirmed the required precision for in-flight refuelling.
“Both aircraft’s latest-generation fly-by-wire systems contributed to the successful operation, with the KC-390 providing a favourable wake and the Gripen E being responsive in flight,” the companies stated.
The flight test campaign covered two objectives. The first involved qualifying the Gripen E as a receiver for in-flight refuelling: a key step in validating the fighter’s performance, stability and structural integrity throughout the operation. The second focused on verifying the compatibility of both aircraft across the KC-390’s entire flight envelope, for high-speed refuelling under both day and night conditions.
The in-flight refuelling of Gripen Es by the KC-390 further strengthens the interoperability between the two advanced, latest-generation aircraft, extending their operational reach and joint capability. Both types are already in service with the FAB. In Sweden, meanwhile, the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) accepted into operational service its first Gripen E on 20 October 2025 and Sweden formally signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of four C-390 Millennium aircraft on 6 October 2025.
It has not yet been specified how many of the Swedish Millenniums might be fully equipped as KC-390s with an aerial refuelling capability, but in their joint press release Saab and Embraer stated, “The Swedish Military Aviation Authority (SE-MAA) will now be able to review the verification evidence for the air-to-air refuelling capability of Gripen E as part of its certification process. This will be followed by the certification process conducted by the Industrial Promotion and Coordination Institute (IFI) of the FAB. These institutions are responsible for the technical analysis and validation of results, ensuring that safety and performance standards comply with the most demanding international criteria.”
Following this process any news on Swedish KC-390s might emerge.
Meanwhile, Hungary and the Czech Republic have both ordered the Millennium and both operate Gripen C/Ds.
“This achievement reflects the high level of integration between the teams involved. The verification of in-flight refuelling is a very significant technical milestone for our business, as it demonstrates that Gripen E has reached a new level of operational reach,” Mikael Olsson, head of flight testing at Saab, was quoted as saying in a joint press release. The success of this campaign further reinforces the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden and Brazil’s role within the global Gripen programme ecosystem.”
“This important milestone confirms the KC-390 unmatched qualities as a tanker and further strengthens our partnership with Saab and the Brazilian Air Force,” added Walter Pinto Júnior, chief operations officer for Embraer Defense & Security. “Additionally, the unique multi-mission capability offered by the KC-390, which allows the airplane to be converted into a tanker in a matter of hours, offers unbeatable flexibility to air forces worldwide.”
The FAB’s Colonel Aviator George Luiz Guedes de Oliveira stated, “The verification of in-flight refuelling between the KC-390 and Gripen represents the success of a co-operation that goes beyond borders. It is the result of a joint effort combining Swedish technology, Brazilian engineering and the operational excellence of the Brazilian Air Force.”
