Saab and Embraer have completed the certification flight test campaign proving the Gripen E can be refuelled in flight by the KC-390 Millennium.
The work, carried out with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), marks a major integration milestone for two of Brazil’s flagship air platforms.
According to the companies, the campaign took place at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto test centre under FAB oversight, bringing together Saab, Embraer and FAB test crews. The teams assessed multiple flight configurations, speeds and altitudes, confirming stable handling and predictable behaviour of both aircraft during fuel transfer. Saab said the fly-by-wire systems on each platform contributed to consistent performance.
The test effort sought to qualify the Gripen E as a receiver and verify full compatibility with the KC-390’s refuelling envelope in day and night conditions. The companies stated that the results extend the operational reach of the fighter and deepen interoperability between the two aircraft.
Mikael Olsson, Saab’s Head of Flight Testing, said “the verification of in-flight refuelling is a very significant technical milestone… Gripen E has reached a new level of operational reach.” He added that the outcome “further reinforces the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden.”
Walter Pinto Júnior, Chief Operations Officer at Embraer Defense & Security, described the campaign as confirmation of the KC-390’s strengths, stating “this important milestone confirms the KC-390 unmatched qualities as a tanker.” He also highlighted the aircraft’s modular design, noting that its conversion to tanker configuration within hours offers “unbeatable flexibility to Air Forces worldwide.”
FAB’s Colonel Aviator George Luiz Guedes de Oliveira said the trial reflected cooperation that “goes beyond borders,” combining Swedish and Brazilian expertise with FAB operational input.
The Swedish Military Aviation Authority will now review the verification data as part of Gripen E’s ongoing certification. Brazil’s Industrial Promotion and Coordination Institute will conduct its own assessment to ensure compliance with international safety and performance standards.
Cracking photo.
Things like this move quickly, while we’re almost 8 years into F35B active service, having been involved in the aircrafts development and having received the first jet in 2012 – still no meteor. Our answer to this is to buy additional F35A.
Congratulations to SAAB on this good news. Chaps – we need change.
If we had the funds, I believe the C-390 would make an ideal replacement for our Herc’s that were retired far too soon!
I think the Air tanker PFI runs until about 2037 so that’s sadly unlikely. We don’t seem to want to pay for a boom to refuel the aircraft we do own.