Embraer Defense and Security reported orders for a total of 10 A-29 Super Tucanos by unnamed customers, one order for six and another for four of the light attack/trainer aircraft. Based on the reported unit cost for the A-29, the total value of the two orders could be more than $4.6 billion for the Brazilian manufacturer.
The A-29 is a turboprop light attack aircraft powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine (1,196 kW / 1,604 hp), and armed with precision-guided weapons. Embraer calls it a “multi-mission aircraft” that provides “versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform”. It further notes the aircraft sturdy enough “to operate from unpaved runways in austere environments.”
Major operators include the Brazilian and Indonesian air forces, and in 2024, Embraer announced new A29 sales the Portuguese Air Force, the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force.
Embraer builds the aircraft at its manufacturing center in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state, but units are also built under contract with manufacturers in Portugal and the U.S.
The first new order is for six A-29s scheduled to be delivered in 2026. They will be equipped with enhanced capabilities for battlefield air interdiction, close air support, maritime patrol, maritime strike, and other territorial defense operations.
Separately, Embraer reported the sale of four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa, to be used for border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, counterinsurgency, and advanced flight training.
“We are thrilled to announce new sales of the A-29 Super Tucano as we see this aircraft as the right fit for many nations around the world,” stated Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The A-29 is the global leader in its category because it’s a proven, reliable and well advanced aircraft.”
