L3Harris and Embraer to Develop New Agile Tanker via KC-390 to Support Air Force Operational Imperatives

Rhea-AI Summary

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) and Embraer S.A. (NYSE:ERJ) have formed a partnership to develop the "Agile Tanker," a tactical aerial refueling aircraft aimed at fulfilling the U.S. Air Force's operational needs, particularly under contested logistics conditions. The enhancements to Embraer's KC-390 Millennium will include advanced boom operations and resilient mission systems, enabling greater mission coverage. The collaboration supports a cost-effective and agile approach to air dominance, aligning with the Air Force's strategic goals.

Positive

• Formation of partnership to develop Agile Tanker enhances tactical refueling capabilities.
• Focus on cost-effective solution targets U.S. Air Force operational needs.
• Improvements to KC-390 Millennium aircraft include advanced boom operations and resilient mission systems.

Negative

• None.

Highlights:

• New tactical tanking solution focused on contested logistics and agile combat employment
• Includes advanced boom and resilient, open mission system to support JADC2 requirements
• Focused on cost-effective, distributed tactical refueling for greater mission area coverage

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) and Embraer S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) today announced a partnership to develop an “Agile Tanker,” a tactical aerial refueling option to address the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives and joint force refueling requirements especially for contested logistics environments.

L3Harris Technologies and Embraer S.A. will develop tactical aerial refueling options to support the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives. (Photo: Business Wire)

The companies signed an agreement to expand the capabilities of Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium tactical tanker aircraft. Enhancements include the addition of advanced boom operations and mission systems to support agile basing and sustainment for operations in contested areas, and resilient communications supporting JADC2 requirements.

“U.S. Air Force strategic planners have stated agile combat employment will require refueling platforms optimized to support a disaggregated approach to air dominance in contested logistics environments,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “Collaborating with Embraer to develop and integrate new capabilities to the multi-mission KC-390 provides a cost-effective, fast-to-field solution that embodies our trusted disruptor approach.”

Aircraft enhancements will complement the tanker’s existing capabilities, which already include the ability to refuel aircraft with a variable speed drogue, receive fuel, and to take off and land from short and improvised runways, allowing for greater mission area coverage.

“We continue seeking meaningful and strategic partnerships that generate new developments and expand the KC-390 Millennium’s market reach,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. “Our aircraft is capturing the attention of Air Forces around the world, and we’re thrilled by this opportunity to combine Embraer’s state-of-the-art platform and systems with L3Harris’ mission-driven solutions to deliver on the U.S. Air Force’s operational imperatives.”

The Air Force operational imperatives are a roadmap for successfully bringing about the new technologies, thinking, and cultures the Air and Space Forces must have to deter and, if necessary, defeat modern day adversaries.

The speedy, versatile, customizable KC-390 Millennium can support a range of missions and possesses a high reliability rate. By combining L3Harris’ experience as an aircraft missionization prime with Embraer’s state-of-the-art jet-powered KC-390 Millennium platform, both companies are ready to provide the next generation of tanker solutions for the Department of Defense and the US Air Force.

To support the Buy American Act requirements, the parties are studying the Agile Tanker program production with final assembly in the U.S., followed by aircraft modernization and missionization at the L3Harris’ Waco, Texas, aircraft modification center.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com.

About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services & Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. Embraer.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about the value or expected value of orders, contracts or programs and about system capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris and Embraer disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220919005265/en/

Sara Banda

L3Harris Technologies

Sara.Banda@L3Harris.com

+1 321-306-8927

Nicolás Morell

Embraer S.A.

Nicolas.Morell@embraer.com.br

+55 12 98149-9238

Source: L3Harris Technologies

FAQ

What is the partnership between L3Harris and Embraer about?

L3Harris and Embraer are collaborating to develop an 'Agile Tanker', focusing on enhancing tactical aerial refueling capabilities for the U.S. Air Force.

What aircraft is being enhanced by L3Harris and Embraer?

The KC-390 Millennium tactical tanker aircraft is being enhanced through the partnership.

What are the main features of the Agile Tanker?

The Agile Tanker features advanced boom operations and resilient mission systems to support contested logistics environments.

How does the Agile Tanker project impact L3Harris and Embraer's stock performance?

The project may positively influence stock performance by enhancing capabilities and addressing U.S. Air Force requirements.

When was the partnership between L3Harris and Embraer announced?

The partnership was announced on September 19, 2022.