Renowned for its versatility and performance, the A-29 Super Tucano has established itself as one of the world’s leading platforms for light attack, pilot training, and surveillance missions. This success reflects Embraer’s solid track record in the defense sector, backed by the trust of more than twenty air forces that currently operate the model across various regions of the world.

The Super Tucano is a multirole fixed-wing aircraft capable of executing air-to-air and air-to-ground attack missions, advanced pilot training, and armed reconnaissance. Embraer’s “3-in-1” operational concept grants the platform remarkable flexibility to adapt to different tactical scenarios, extending its mission profile to border patrol, aerial escort, and surveillance operations.

With an operational range exceeding 4,500 km and a payload capacity of up to 1,200 kg, the Super Tucano can integrate a wide array of mission equipment and weaponry — including pods, conventional bombs, and air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles — consolidating its position as a robust, efficient, and adaptable platform that meets the demands of modern air forces.

Known locally in Brazil as the A-29 Super Tucano, these aircraft form the backbone of the Brazilian Air Force’s subsonic fleet, performing training, patrol, and close support missions. More than 90 aircraft have been delivered since 2003. They are regularly integrated into the country’s defense and air control capabilities, supporting surveillance and protection missions during major governmental events — such as the 2025 Belém Summit — alongside F-5M fighters, E-99 airborne early warning aircraft, and H-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters.

Its regional expansion dates back to 2006, when Colombia became the first Latin American customer with an order for 25 aircraft delivered within two years. Over two decades, the Brazilian-origin ALX Project has built a reputation for reliability and effectiveness, enabling its penetration into the defense portfolios of Latin American, European, African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian markets. Countries such as Chile, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Ecuador, the United States, Angola, Lebanon, and the Dominican Republic acquired their first aircraft during the 2010s. More recently, Turkmenistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines received fleets of five to six aircraft through direct acquisition from Embraer or under the U.S. Government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Operational success has spurred new production chains outside Brazil. The U.S. company Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) acquired a production license for the EMB-314 variant, manufacturing and exporting aircraft under the FMS framework in partnership with Embraer Defense & Security. Recently, Portugal signed a letter of intent with the South American manufacturer to establish a final assembly line with OGMA–Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, a key industrial hub within Europe’s aerospace ecosystem.

Portugal underscores the A-29’s tactical potential in European and transatlantic defense. The incorporation of the first five A-29N aircraft not only positions Portugal as the first regional operator of the type but also opens the door for future acquisitions within NATO. The A-29N variant complies with NATO standardization requirements, enabling interoperability in air patrol, armed ISR, CAS, advanced training, and close air support missions. Additionally, its new configuration for intercepting and neutralizing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) represents a cutting-edge capability aligned with the global effort to counter drone swarms — a complementary feature that marks a technological leap focused on emerging threats.

The incorporation of Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Panama into the list of Super Tucano operators highlights its continued regional expansion. Since 2024, Ecuador — with U.S. financial support — has pursued the refurbishment of its EMB-314 fleet. Paraguay finalized the purchase of six A-29 aircraft, including logistics packages, simulators, and pilot training, financed through Brazil’s BNDES, with the first four units delivered in July 2025. Uruguay also procured six aircraft to restore its air capabilities following the retirement of its IA-58 Pucará fleet and the aging A-37 Dragonfly.