KC-390 Millennium Completes Gripen E Refuelling Certification Flights

Brazil has completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refuelling of the Gripen E fighter by the KC-390 Millennium.

The tests took place at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility in São Paulo and were coordinated by the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology. Engineers and test pilots from Saab, Embraer, and the Air Force evaluated multiple flight configurations, speeds, and altitudes. The teams confirmed refuelling accuracy, supported by both aircraft’s fly-by-wire systems, with the KC-390 providing a stable wake and the Gripen maintaining responsive control.

The campaign had two objectives: to qualify the Gripen E as a receiver and to verify compatibility across the KC-390’s full flight envelope, including high-speed refuelling in day and night missions. The results improve operational interoperability between the aircraft.

The Swedish Military Aviation Authority will now review the refuelling evidence as part of its certification of the Gripen E. Brazil’s Industrial Promotion and Coordination Institute will then assess compliance with international standards.