Gripen E, KC-390 Complete Mid-Air Refuelling Tests

Two Saab Gripen E fighters being refuelled by an Embraer KC-390 aircraft | Photo: Saab

Saab and Embraer, in cooperation with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), have completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refuelling of the F-39E Gripen fighter by the KC-390 Millennium. The tests were conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Centre located at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, under the coordination of the FAB’s Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA).

According to the companies, engineers and test pilots from Saab, Embraer and the FAB participated in the campaign, which evaluated multiple flight configurations, speeds and altitudes. The trials confirmed precision during in-flight refuelling, supported by fly-by-wire systems on both aircraft. The KC-390’s wake characteristics and the Gripen E’s responsiveness in flight were also assessed.

The campaign’s objectives were to qualify the Gripen E as a receiver aircraft and verifying compatibility between the fighter and the KC-390 across the tanker’s full flight envelope, including day and night high-speed refuelling. Saab stated that this step extends the operational reach and joint capability of both aircraft.

Mikael Olsson, Head of Flight Testing at Saab, said, “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. The success of this campaign further reinforces the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden and Brazil’s role within the global Gripen programme ecosystem.”

Walter Pinto Júnior, Chief Operations Officer of Embraer Defense & Security, said, “This important milestone confirms the KC-390 unmatched qualities as a tanker and further strengthens our partnership with Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. 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.”

Colonel Aviator George Luiz Guedes de Oliveira added, “The verification of in-flight refuelling between the KC-390 and Gripen represents the success of a cooperation 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.”

Following this campaign, the Swedish Military Aviation Authority (SE-MAA) will review the verification evidence as part of the certification process for the Gripen E. Brazil’s Industrial Promotion and Coordination Institute (IFI) will then conduct its certification activities.