Embraer, delivered the first five A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) during a ceremony held at OGMA’s facilities, attended by authorities, Embraer executives, and guests. This delivery comes just one year and one day after the acquisition agreement was signed, highlighting Embraer’s ability to meet its customers’ operational needs. The acquisition of these aircraft – part of an order for 12 units – represents a significant milestone in Portugal’s process to modernize its air capabilities.
“We are not only introducing a new air attack capability with proven results to support the Detached National Forces, but also addressing potential new scenarios. The Super Tucano now offers the possibility of performing anti-drone missions, demonstrating the flexibility of the aircraft chosen by the Air Force. I want to emphasize that this was the Air Force’s choice, with political decisions supported by technical opinions,”
Nuno Melo, Minister of Defense of Portugal
During the occasion, Embraer and the Portuguese State signed a Letter of Interest (LOI) aimed at the potential establishment of an A-29N final assembly line in Portugal. Aircraft produced at this facility would address possible demands from other European nations through government-to-government negotiations, contributing to the strengthening of the defense industrial base in Portugal and across Europe.
“The formal delivery of these aircraft represents another decisive step in the modernization of the Air Force, reinforcing its robustness and technological capacity. Beyond replacing pilot training equipment that has been in operation for almost four decades, this acquisition also allows for the strengthening of new capabilities, namely in close air support in joint and/or combined operations, ensuring the armed protection of forces on the ground. In parallel, the Air Force reaffirms its position as a benchmark among its peer forces by operating the first A-29N Super Tucano with NATO configuration, guaranteeing Portugal a strategic advantage and a return for the national economy,”
Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves
Portugal now joins a growing list of nations that rely on the A-29’s proven capabilities for a wide range of missions. The aircraft’s entry into service reinforces Embraer’s commitment to supporting NATO allies with reliable and innovative solutions.
“The delivery of the first A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force strengthens and expands the strategic partnership established between the Portuguese State and Embraer through the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft program. There is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-UAS missions in Europe, and a potential assembly line in Portugal paves the way for the development of new business and broader cooperation with the Portuguese defense industry,”
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
A global leader in its class, the Super Tucano has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours. The aircraft has attracted the interest of several other nations due to its unmatched combination of capabilities, making it the most efficient option on the market.
