The Portuguese Ministry of National Defense has signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of 12 A-29N Super Tucano aircraft to equip the Portuguese Air Force, making Portugal the launch customer for the new variant of this advanced training and light attack aircraft. The A-29N can perform multiple missions, such as advanced pilot training, light attack, tactical air support (CAS) and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The A-29N Super Tucano variant incorporates advanced avionics, NATO-specific communication systems and additional capabilities, tailored to meet Portugal’s operational requirements. With this purchase, Portugal becomes the first European nation to operate the A-29N.
«We would like to thank the Ministry of National Defense and the Portuguese Air Force for the trust they have placed in Embraer’s solutions. This contract gives us the opportunity to contribute to the modernization of the Portuguese Air Force and to further strengthen our strong partnership, paving the way for broader industrial cooperation with the local defense industry,» said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
According to Embraer, the A-29 Super Tucano is positioned as the world leader in its category, with more than 260 units ordered and a track record of more than 570,000 accumulated flight hours, including 60,000 hours in combat operations. Its unique combination of capabilities, together with a strategic commercial campaign driven by the Brazilian company, has driven its adoption by a growing number of air forces, consolidating it as the most efficient and versatile option in the market.
The A-29 Super Tucano platform, although a proven and efficient solution with a very good history of service, has been continuously optimized to improve its efficiency and operational flexibility. Currently, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions, such as:
- Advanced pilot training
- Close Air Support (CAS)
- Air patrol
- Air interdiction
- JTAC training
- Armed ISR
- Border surveillance
- Reconnaissance
- Air escort
The A-29 Super Tucano is one of the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its class, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems and a comprehensive suite of communication systems. Its capability is enhanced by advanced HMI avionics systems, integrated into a robust airframe, capable of operating on unpaved runways, in austere environments and with little infrastructure. In addition, the aircraft features reduced maintenance requirements, high levels of reliability, availability and structural integrity, and low operating costs.
