The Panamanian National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) chose the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer as its new platform for surveillance and border protection operations SENAN will operate a fleet of four Super Tucano aircraft as part of an effort to expand operational capabilities and support national security objectives Panama becomes the eighth Latin American country to adopt the Super Tucano The aircraft is used globally for a range of missions The A-29 Super Tucano has logged over 580,000 flight hours across more than 20 air forces worldwide with more than 290 aircraft ordered to date the turboprop aircraft can support both surveillance and light attack roles An artist's impression of an Embraer A-29 Super Tucano in Portugal markings The European NATO country has ordered 12 such aircraft for training and light strike duties The production of several aircraft for Portugal is under way without detailing the exact number due to a non-disclosure agreement The fleet will be delivered in two to three years Portugal signed for 12 of the turboprop-powered aircraft on 16 December 2024 worth approximately EUR200 million (USD226.9 million) becoming the launch customer for the A-29N Super Tucano NATO-standard aircraft the contract with Lisbon covers the purchase of a flight simulator and a logistics support package The FAP said the aircraft will fulfil close air support missions for combined operations ensuring armed protection for ground troops in low-threat scenarios in Africa The A-29N Super Tucano includes range and endurance improvements as well as an electro-optical surveillance system provisions to deploy rocket launching pods and precision weapons two standard built-in M3P 12.7×99 mm machine guns A payload of NATO-standard communications and navigation equipment will be installed such as very/ultra-high-frequency (V/UHF) radios satellite communications (satcom) terminal Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) module Variable Message Format (VMF) tactical messaging system a video downlink system compatible with the Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) technology a Mod 5 identification friend-or-foe (IFF) transponder Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more.. Delivering trusted intelligence to warfighters to protect national interests Providing mission users with faster access to quality data to pre-empt threats and protect national security Assured interconnected OSINT to deliver informed Solutions Insights About Contact Request a demo Customer Login Store Receive the latest developments in defence and security as well as keep informed on Janes news and events Janes Intelligence SummaryA fortnightly update featuring the latest analysis Portugal signed a contract with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer for 12 A-29N Super Tucano light turboprop attack aircraft The deal is valued at around €200 million (approximately $209 million at the time of signing) and includes flight simulators for pilot training as well as a comprehensive logistics support package According to Janes the first aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Portugal later in 2025 with final deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028 Defense Express notes that back in March 2023 Portugal reportedly was considering a purchase of 12 used Super Tucanos it appears Portugal ultimately decided against this opting instead for new aircraft in the latest A-29N configuration including upgraded communication and data transmission systems Portugal initially planned to use the Super Tucano primarily as an advanced trainer aircraft following the retirement of its Alpha Jet A fleet in 2018 the Portuguese Air Force said it may expand the aircraft’s role within its air force to include light attack missions as well It took roughly six years from the initial discussions about purchasing the Super Tucano to the contract signing Portugal’s acquisition could spark further interest among NATO allies in the Super Tucano a platform notably more affordable than many other market alternatives The Netherlands is already rumored to be a potential future buyer It is also worth recalling that Brazil previously declined to sell Super Tucanos to Ukraine Panama is also planning to acquire Super Tucanos which would mark the country’s first combat aviation capability since the U.S Prior to joining Aviation Week in November 2012 Tony was at Shephard Media Group where he was deputy editor for Rotorhub and Defence Helicopter magazines Training Key Role For Portugal’s Future Fleet Of Super Tucanos is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN membership Already a member of AWIN or subscribe to Aerospace Daily & Defense Report through your company? Login with your existing email and password Not a member? Learn how you can access the market intelligence and data you need to stay abreast of what's happening in the aerospace and defense community insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily Get your daily fix of Air & Space Force news delivered right to your inbox every day There's no more reliable source for news about your Air & Space Forces Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy Stay up to date with our Newsletter Or login Embraer has closed out the year with another order for its A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft this time to an undisclosed customer on the African continent The order is for four aircraft and the country joins five others in Africa The value of the contract was not disclosed but unit price is likely to be US$13–$16 million per aircraft depending on ancillaries supports and services included in the contract According to the company: “These aircraft will perform a wide spectrum of missions such as border surveillance counterinsurgency and advanced flight training.” There have been more than 290 A-29s ordered and according to the company these aircraft have completed more than 570,000 flight hours and 60,000 of those hours have been in combat Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N) the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force In December 2024 Portugal announced that it would invest €200 million (US$209 million) to acquire 12 A-29Ns Announced via a statement from the Portuguese Council of Ministers on 12 December the investment will also reportedly include a flight simulator and goods and logistics support as well as full implementation and support of the aircraft The company previously announced the sale of six Super Tucanos to the Paraguayan Air Force in July 2024 at the Farnborough International Airshow Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025 with the price tag estimated to be around US$100 million As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight … Flare Bright TACTERA software solution will be introduced at SOF Week 2025 in Tampa this week StormShroud is designed to support UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Lockheed Martin F-35B and Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft by providing suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) It is built around the Tekever AR3 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and Leonardo BriteStorm electronic warfare (EW) jammer payload The ground test phase for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme will bridge the gap between prototype design and flight laying essential groundwork ahead of fielding the uncrewed aircraft but we can't find the page you were looking for It's probably some thing we've done wrong but now we know about it and we'll try to fix it If you have questions regarding your subscription of European Security & Defence contact our subscriber service: The aircraft is designed to operate from rugged enhancing its suitability for harsh environments Embraer has confirmed the sale of four A-29 Super Tucano to an unnamed customer in Africa making it the sixth operator of the trainer aircraft. capable of performing armed reconnaissance while also serving as an advanced trainer. enhancing its suitability for harsh environments. the aircraft offers a range of operations such as close air support It features “advanced” technology for precise target identification and a comprehensive communication suite. Its avionics and human-machine interface are integrated into an airframe that excels in challenging environments. Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis The aircraft’s maintenance concept emphasises simplicity Embraer Defense & Security president and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior said: “The A-29 Super Tucano is an extremely versatile aircraft that is able to carry out the most challenging missions under the most demanding conditions It is the world leader in its category as it combines a combat-proven track record with advanced technology.” The A-29 Super Tucano has more than 290 units ordered and more than 570,000 flight hours logged including 60,000 hours in combat situations Embraer has also announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the air forces of Uruguay the Portuguese Ministry of National Defense with Embraer for 12 A-29N Super Tucano aircraft for its Air Force Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network missiles and space for the Aviation Week Network African Buyer Signs Order For Super Tucano Fighters is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report By Ryan Finnerty2024-12-16T15:50:00+00:00 Embraer has secured its first European order for the A-29N Super Tucano The $210 (€200) million deal, signed on 14 December, also marks the first sale of Embraer’s NATO-standard Super Tucano, which the Brazilian airframer unveiled in 2023 The A-29N includes NATO-required features such as single-pilot operation and a tactical data link “The project will involve a strong participation of the Portuguese industry in highly technological areas with a view to reconfiguring the aircraft to NATO standards and specifications,” the office of Portuguese defence minister Nuno Melo says. Embraer describes the A-29 as “rugged and versatile” capable of operating from remote or unpaved runways with minimal maintenance support The US Air Force Test Pilot School absorbed three Super Tucanos in October with plans to use the turboprops for spin testing and evaluating equipment hung on underwing pylons “The A-29 has the flexibility to provide air forces with a single platform for light attack thus optimising their fleets,” Embraer said when it revealed the NATO-compliant version of the aircraft As far back as 2023, Embraer Defense & Security chief executive Bosco da Costa Junior had hinted an A-29N deal with a NATO member was pending the Netherlands and Austria as possible candidates The NATO-optimised version of the Super Tucano is capable of carrying precision-guided air-to-ground munitions for a light attack role ”This contract gives us the opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of the Portuguese air force and to further deepen our strong partnership,” da Costa says of the Super Tucano deal with Lisbon Embraer has positioned the single-engined turboprop as a reconnaissance platform and trainer for joint terminal attack controller and defensive missions The Super Tucano is also capable of carrying precision-guided air-to-ground munitions for a light attack role Lisbon’s A-29N order adds to the Portuguese air force’s growing fleet of Embraer aircraft Portugal has already fielded two Embraer KC-390 transports out of a planned acquisition of five The service did not immediately respond for a request for comment as to how it plans to employ the new Super Tucanos The A-29 is already in service across Latin America The US Air Force Test Pilot School in October accepted three Super Tucanos divested by Special Operations Command The aircraft are being used for spin testing and for evaluating equipment hung on underwing pylons according to the service’s 412th test Wing “This will allow the school to conduct training and research on a variety of multi-domain sensors and weapons,” the 412th Test Wing said noting the A-29s also feature modern avionics Embraer has previously said it believes an addressable global market exists to deliver 500 A-29s over the next 20 years with this volume of business to be worth a potential $6.5 billion The Philippine air force has retired its Rockwell OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft and Bell AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters Norway has received US government approval to acquire up to 300 Raytheon AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles India has conducted a maiden flight for a so-called “stratospheric airship platform” with the aim of collecting data to inform future sorties plans to compete for the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System contract against heavyweights including Lockheed Martin The US Air Force says it is providing non-operational Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to Ukraine to support the sustainment of Kyiv’s fleet of used jets provided by European allies Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences is a finalist in an X-plane competition organised by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to deliver a vertical-take-off-and-landing-capable aircraft that can also fly at fixed-wing-jet speeds FlightGlobal is the global aviation community’s primary source of news analytics and advisory services to connect the aviation community globally and help organisations shape their business strategies identify new opportunities and make better decisions faster Site powered by Webvision Cloud Breaking news, expert analysis, member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry. Reporting by Fabio Teixeira; Editing by Kylie Madry Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved Sign up for the Breaking Defense newsletter Concept art of a Portuguese Air Force A-29N Super Tucano (Embraer) BELFAST — Portugal has ordered 12 A-29N Super Tucano aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer in a deal valued at €200 million ($210 million) The company announced in a Monday statement that it had signed an agreement with the Portuguese Ministry of National Defense for the acquisition and added Lisbon will become the launch customer of the NATO standard version of the light attack and training plane “This acquisition reflects Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its Air Force with a versatile and proven aircraft ideally suited for Advanced Pilot Training and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions,” said Embraer The order for the aircraft sits under Portugal’s Close Support Aircraft program, one of eight major equipment projects prioritized by the country’s Military Programming Law, a multiyear defense spending plan Embraer stressed that the new Super Tucano’s will be equipped with “advanced avionics NATO-specific communications systems and other non-disclosed new capabilities.” Embraer has been marketing a NATO-specific version of the A-29, a light- attack prop plane, for several years but Portugal marks the first customer to sign on The Portuguese Air Force has been left with an advanced trainer capability gap since retiring Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets in 2018 Portugal’s Council of Ministers officially approved the order last week and shared that the acquisition will also include “a flight simulator goods and services,” according to an online translation of a government statement “The project will involve a strong participation of Portuguese industry in highly technological areas with a view to reconfiguring the aircraft to NATO standards and specifications,” added Lisbon Foi hoje assinado o contrato de aquisição de 12 aviões #SuperTucano que vão no futuro equipar a #ForçaAérea Esta aeronave será empregue em missões de apoio aéreo próximo bem como formação avançada de pilotagem Saiba mais em: https://t.co/ItJbKXfpYX pic.twitter.com/udcMAIyhBk — Força Aérea Portuguesa (@fap_pt) December 16, 2024 Neither Embraer or the Portuguese government disclosed delivery plans for the Super Tucanos A select group of local Portuguese aerospace companies are set to be involved in development and systems integration of the aircraft, based on a prior Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) That agreement was signed in April by Centro de Engenharia e Desenvolvimento de Produto (CEiiA) The latest Super Tucano order also strengthens Brazilian and Portuguese defense co-operation building on Lisbon’s 2019 order for five KC-390 Millennium tankers Embraer on Tuesday also announced the establishment of a new Portuguese subsidiary, Embraer Defense Europe, aimed at supporting “strategic objectives in creating relevant and cutting-edge defense and security solutions for customers in Europe and NATO.” Sign up and get Breaking Defense news in your inbox The acquisition marks Portugal as the first operator of this new version of the aircraft The Portuguese Ministry of National Defense has finalised a deal with Embraer to procure 12 A-29N Super Tucano aircraft for the Air Force. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. This acquisition positions Portugal as the first operator of this new variant which is designed for advanced pilot training The A-29N Super Tucano is a multi-mission aircraft that features advanced avionics and NATO-specific communication systems tailored to meet Portugal’s operational needs. The aircraft measures 11.38 metres in length and is part of a series with more than 260 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours The aircraft’s design includes precise targeting technology Capable of operating from unpaved runways and in challenging environments the aircraft emphasises reduced maintenance Embraer Defense & Security president and CEO Bosco da Costa Junior said: “We would like to thank the Portuguese Ministry of National Defense and Air Force for the trust they place in Embraer solutions. “This contract gives us the opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of the Portuguese Air Force and to further deepen our strong partnership paving the way for additional industrial cooperation with the local defence industry.” Embraer introduced the NATO-configured A-29 Super Tucano at LAAD Defence & Security 2023, and in 2022, its Portuguese subsidiary OGMA was chosen to support the aircraft for regional customers. Embraer won a contract to provide four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa The new customer will become the sixth operator of the A-29 Super Tucano on the African continent with the aircraft set to perform missions including border surveillance the A-29 Super Tucano is capable of operating from unpaved runways in challenging environments The aircraft has logged over 570,000 flight hours globally The A-29 is used in both combat and training roles and over 290 units have been ordered to date By Craig Hoyle2025-04-02T18:09:00 Embraer has added Panama to its customer list for the A-29 Super Tucano with the nation to become the eighth Latin American operator of the turboprop-powered type You have reached your limit of free articles for this period Register for a FREE account to read this article and benefit from: Join now member-first insights and commentary on the global aviation industry Uruguay is the sixth nation in South America to operate the A-29 Super Tucano The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) and the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense (MDN) has announced it will buy five additional A-29 Super Tucano aircraft – converting options from its original August 2024 deal The FAU originally made a firm order with options for one A-29 Super Tucano last year to bolster its operational capabilities integrated logistics services and a flight simulator for the aircraft Uruguay is the sixth South American country to purchase the light attack and trainer aircraft president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said: “We are ready to offer the best multimission aircraft to the FAU as well as our full support to increase their operational readiness and to enhance their capabilities to accomplish strategic missions such as border surveillance.” Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force added: “This incorporation projects us technologically and upon completion of the A-29 acquisition process This order emphasises Embraer’s recent influx of interest, following Portugal's order for 12 NATO-configured A-29 aircraft and an agreement with an unnamed African country The aircraft now reaches 20 operators worldwide with a total of 290 orders according to the manufacturer The A-29 Super Tucano is currently operated by the Afghan Air Force (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / USAF Staff Sgt Embraer has said that it sees “strong opportunities” in the Middle East for its C-390 and Super Tucano identifing the latter as an important platform in the region for countering uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) VP – sales and business development for the Middle East and Africa at Embraer said that the company had been “adding capabilities” to counter uncrewed aerial systems to the Super Tucano as part of its wider product roadmap for the aircraft In addition to its capabilities surrounding counter insurgency She has spent the last two years reporting … Edge Group’s international partnership collaboration included Letters of Intent (LoIs) and agreements with US firm Lockheed Martin and multinational aerospace The company cashed on its home ground advantage in Abu Dhabi last week with the launch of 46 products and solutions while exhibiting a total of 218 items on its 9,000m2 stand on which its range of subsidiaries were promoted and 16 contracts were signed Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol confirmed that the tests for its TOYGUN and KARAT products would take place on a UAV platform as efforts continue to progress its “challenging” technology roadmap into 2025 and 2026 Hanwha Aerospace global defense CEO Michael Coulter was appointed to the seat just over two months ago He sat down with Shephard at last week’s IDEX 2025 to outline his vision for how the company is looking to grow its footprint in the US and Europe The vessels were first discussed a full ten years before the commissioning ceremony and three more are due within the next three years has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets After performing well in support of the Afghan Air Force the A-29s have increasingly been in demand around the globe and even inspired members of Congress to request additional planes to support Special Operations Command “There are plenty of countries that have an extremist threat — the Middle East and South and Central Africa SOCOM (Special Operations Command) is asking for this for Nigeria It is a perfect platform for where we are fighting,” former Rep A-29s are turboprop planes armed with one 20mm cannon below the fuselage able to shoot 650 rounds per minute one 12.7mm machine gun (FN Herstal) under each wing and up to four 7.62mm Dillion Aero M134 Miniguns able to shoot up to 3,000 rounds per minute An Afghan Air Force A-29 Super Tucano soars over Kabul The A-29 is the Afghan Air Force’s latest attack airframe in their inventory Kris Osborn is the Military Affairs Editor of 19 FortyFive and President of Warrior Maven - Center for Military Modernization Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University Embraer has signed a contract to deliver four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa highlights the aircraft’s ability to perform diverse missions The A-29 Super Tucano is celebrated for its versatility and reliability under demanding conditions It features a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways making it suitable for harsh environments where infrastructure is limited With over 290 units sold globally and more than 570,000 flight hours the A-29 Super Tucano is a proven leader in its category and Paraguayan Air Forces further underscore its global appeal President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security described the A-29 as “extremely versatile” and capable of executing the most challenging missions Its advanced technology and combat-proven performance ensure it meets the operational needs of modern air forces the A-29 Super Tucano combines advanced weapons systems and a state-of-the-art communication suite with low life cycle costs Its multi-mission capability provides air forces with a cost-effective solution for reconnaissance Cookie Policy Copyright © 2025 Defence Industry Europe | mady by: geekon.eu We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns An A-29 Super Tucano from Moody Air Force Base Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano) WASHINGTON — Brazil’s Embraer is hunting for new A-29 Super Tucano orders to keep its American final assembly line humming with 2025 seen as a critical year to parry back a production gap Embraer stood up an A-29 final assembly line in Jacksonville in 2013 to produce the turboprop plane for the US military and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers most prominently for Afghan air force pilots trained by US troops But with US involvement in Afghanistan at an end production at the facility has slowed to its “minimal pace,” said Bosco da Costa Jr “We are running the facility without big orders coming from FMS,” da Costa told Breaking Defense We are still fighting for some orders coming from FMS case[s] and even — why not — from the US government.” The Jacksonville factory is tooled to produce about 24 Super Tucanos per year but the company currently only has four A-29s in various stages of production (A Embraer spokesperson said those planes are “allocated to current and near-term customers,” but declined to name what countries had ordered them.) Jacksonville could face an uphill battle for orders due to its unique setup run through the company’s Brazil-based production plant But the A-29 variant produced in the United States is assembled by Embraer in Florida, before US prime contractor Sierra Nevada Corp. outfits the baseline aircraft with US-specific mission systems and communications gear in Colorado That production line caters only to US customers or Foreign Military Sales brokered by the Pentagon a much slimmer portion of the Super Tucano customer base That means that while Embraer has garnered new Super Tucano orders this year from countries such as Paraguay and Uruguay those contracts cannot be used to pad out a lapse of orders for Jacksonville trying to find another possibility regarding orders,” da Costa said the company will be forced to reevaluate “everything around Jacksonville.” deferred questions on the Jacksonville plant to Embraer “SNC is a proud partner with Embraer providing A-29s and subsequent logistical support worldwide,” the spokesperson said “SNC is pursuing multiple campaigns with Embraer and our companies are well-positioned for a number of opportunities with international customers to provide mission-focused and agile A-29 solutions.” Embraer sees the US military as a potential customer with da Costa pointing specifically to the Air Force the Air Force explored buying light attack aircraft that it could operate in the Middle East as a low-cost alternative to more expensive fighter jets Although the service bought a handful of A-29s and AT-6 turboprop planes for test purposes it ultimately scrapped plans to move forward with a full program of record in 2019 three of the A-29s purchased as part of that evaluation effort were transferred to Edwards Air Force Base where they will be used as a test platform for sensors and weapons “We still believe that this platform could serve … [the] US Air Force we are facing problems without orders and without demand,” da Costa said Embraer did not deliver any Super Tucanos in 2023, but built about a dozen planes that year — including four in Jacksonville — to be delivered to customers once contracts were signed, Aviation Week reported in February (Embraer clarified that the four Jacksonville planes mentioned in that report are the ones currently on the production line.) The company expects to book another two orders for A-29s this year but da Costa said that both orders are expected to be produced in Brazil Uruguay becomes the sixth nation to operate the A-29 Super Tucano in South America The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) have purchased six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the original equipment manufacturer and Brazilian aerospace prime which aims to expand FAU’s operational capacity provides for the acquisition of one aircraft plus the commitment to acquire five additional units integrated logistics services and a flight simulator Uruguay becomes the sixth nation to operate the light attack aircraft in South America alongside Brazil Ecuador and Paraguay – more than 160 units fly in demanding environments on the continent: “From the humid and warm Amazon rainforest the cold regions of southern Chile to the heat of the desert further north from mountainous regions of Colombia and Ecuador to the Atlantic and Pacific coasts,” described the company in a statement from 26 August 2024 Due to its operational flexibility in the South American region Despite the widespread use of the Super Tucano in this region of the world president and chief executive of Embraer Defense & Security insisted that “Uruguay will have differentiated capabilities that will greatly contribute to the surveillance of its borders and increase FAU’s operational readiness.” The new Super Tucano units are due to enter service in Air Squadron Number Two otherwise known as the ‘Fighter Squadron.’ This unit currently employs a fleet of Cessna A-37 ‘Dragonfly’ aircraft Developed by the US company and subsidiary of Textron Aviation Cessna designed the aircraft for ground attack The platform has eight underwing supports that can carry various types of weapons or fuel tanks to increase its autonomy the Super Tucano will provide a range of missions such as close air support; air patrol; special operations; air interdiction; joint terminal attack controller; forward air controller; air and tactical coordinator; armed intelligence surveillance reconnaissance; border surveillance; air escort; basic; operational and advanced training and transition to air superiority fighters Its capability is said to be enhanced by HMI avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure Portugal Becomes First European Customer For Super Tucano is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report What You Need to Know: The United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base has added three Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to its fleet—the first new aircraft assigned to the school in nearly 30 years -Originally acquired by Air Force Special Operations Command but later divested the A-29s were saved from potential foreign military sale and will now enhance training and research capabilities The turboprop aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and is ideal for spin testing and carrying various sensors and weapons -The addition may reduce reliance on T-38 and F-16 aircraft for training There’s also chatter about the A-29 potentially replacing the A-10 Thunderbolt II for close air support missions due to its loiter time and multi-place cockpit According to The War Zone but it wasn’t until this week that the 412th Test Wing “The decision to transfer A-29 aircraft to Edwards is a result of thoughtful analysis by the Test Pilot School and an excellent example of command agility and collaboration to take advantage of a unique fleeting opportunity,” explained Michael Banzet Air Force Test Center plans and programs director “Not only does this repurpose a $63 million taxpayer investment it also modernizes and expands TPS curriculum to accelerate the fielding of combat capability for the U.S the A-29 Super Tucano was developed in the 1990s It may not be able to hold its own against a modern fighter but that’s not really what it was designed for rather it was designed as a low-cost close-air support (CAS) aircraft that could operate from austere airfields it is armed with twin .50 caliber machine guns on each wing along with five hardpoints for ground attack munitions During its service with air forces around the world the Super Tucano has amassed 60,000 combat hours According to the Air Force, the three A-29 Super Tucano aircraft “were originally acquired by Air Force Special Operations Command but divested after mission requirements changed.” First acquired by AFSOC in 2017, the A-29 was considered for use in the Armed Overwatch program but the command opted instead to move forward with a militarized version of the AT-802 crop duster When the AFSOC no longer saw a need for the A-29s, the Air Force Test Center and the school’s leadership saw an opportunity to obtain the aircraft, which had been kept at the Davis-Monthan AFB “Boneyard” in Arizona – while the service considered unloading the propeller-driven planes as a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) the Super Tucanos will now be used as TPS looks to expand its flight test and training capabilities The A-29’s airframe design makes it well suited for spin testing while due to the fact that it is still a post-Cold War-era aircraft means it is equipped with modern avionics and even offers the option of employing externally hung equipment on its wing pylons That latter fact will enable TPS to carry out training and research “on a variety of multi-domain sensors and weapons,” and could help reduce “reliance on T-38 and F-16 aircraft while enhancing the ability to perform aspects of the developmental test mission tasked to the Air Force Test Center,” the service acknowledged Although the role of the A-29 Super Tucano will likely be limited to training, there have been calls for it to be employed as CAS aircraft – replacing the venerable Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II “The A-29 is a more than suitable candidate to replace the A-10,” wrote Maya Carlin for The National Interest “The A-10 is not suited to operations in a contested airspace against a peer or near-peer adversary therefore its primary use is in low-intensity and counter-insurgency CAS the loiter time of the A-29 combined with its multi-place cockpit make it an ideal platform.” “The longer the A-29 can remain on station the value of having two aircrew to maintain situational awareness in a dynamic CAS environment cannot be understated.” Image Credit: Creative Commons and/or Shutterstock stripped-down F-16s from Arizona storage to Ukraine for spare parts supporting NATO-donated jets and aiding Kyiv’s air capabilities amid ongoing Russian missile attacks When an Iranian ship was spotted laying mines in the Persian Gulf Operation Eagle Claw was too complicated to be successful Stay in the know with The National Interest newsletter © Copyright 2025 Center for the National Interest The cookies that are categorised as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse how you use this website Performance cookies are used to understand and analyse the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customised advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyse the effectiveness of the ad campaigns