Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos Strike Twice

BRAZIL’S Embraer A-29 Super Tucano strikes twice, ending 2024 with a double order for the aircraft to two separate undisclosed customers. The A-29 Super Tucano is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft capable of conducting battlefield air interdictions, close air support (CAS), maritime patrols, maritime strikes and other territorial defence operations.

Publicised just before the end of 2024, the firm received an order for six airframes from an undisclosed customer, likely the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The order is to be included in the 4Q24 backlog with deliveries slated for 2026. Then, another undisclosed customer in Africa signed a contract for four units to carry out border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), CAS, counterinsurgency, and advanced flight training.

The PAF’s 15th Strike Wing decommissioned its two Rockwell OV-10 Bronco light attack aircraft and two AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters. The OV-10 served the PAF in CAS missions over 33 years, most recently during the 2017 Battle of Marawi when it carried out 88 CAS air strikes. Commander of the PAF 15th Strike Wing Brigadier General Juliano Llarenas said the contract for six new Super Tucanos was signed on December 27. The PAF currently operates half a dozen of the A-29s.

President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security Bosco da Costa Junior said, “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. It is the world leader in its category as it combines a combat-proven track record with advanced technology.”

The A-29 has received over 290 orders and accumulated more than 570,000 flight hours, with 60,000 of those hours spent in combat. In 2024, Embraer received orders for the Super Tucanos from Portugal, Uruguay, and Paraguay.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:Embraer)