The Portuguese Ministry of National Defence signed a contract with Embraer to acquire 12 A-29N Super Tucanos that will equip the Portuguese Air Force, making Portugal the launch customer of the new variant of this advanced trainer and light attack aircraft. This acquisition reflects Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its Air Force with a versatile and proven aircraft, ideally suited for Advanced Pilot Training, Light Attack, Close Air Support (CAS) and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The A-29N Super Tucano variant incorporates advanced avionics, NATO-specific communications systems and other non-disclosed new capabilities tailored to meet Portugal’s operational requirements. With this purchase, Portugal becomes the first nation to operate the A-29N, leading the way in adopting a very capable platform designed to support a wide range of modern defence missions.
“We would like to thank the Portuguese Ministry of National Defence and Air Force for the trust they place in Embraer solutions. This contract gives us the opportunity to contribute to the modernization of the Portuguese Air Force and to further deepen our strong partnership, paving the way for additional industrial cooperation with the local defence industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, boasting over 260 orders, surpassing 570,000 flight hours, with 60,000 of those in combat. The number of air forces operating the A-29 Super Tucano is steadily expanding due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most cost-effective option in the market.
For Air Forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, JTAC Training, Armed ISR, Border Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Air Escort.
The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced HMI avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways in austere environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.
