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Embraer delivers first A-29N Super Tucanos to the Portuguese Air Force and announces potential assembly line in Portugal
December 17, 2025
Portugal becomes the first country to operate the new variant of the A-29 configured to meet NATO's operational requirements
New final assembly line would meet growing demand for an aircraft capable of carrying out counter-UAS mission in Europe
Portugal becomes the first country to operate the new variant of the A-29 configured to meet NATO's operational requirements
New final assembly line would meet growing demand for an aircraft capable of carrying out counter-UAS mission in Europe
Alverca, Portugal, December 17, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3), today 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.
During the occasion, Embraer and the Portuguese State signed a Letter of Intent (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.
“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,” said Nuno Melo, Minister of Defense of Portugal.
“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,” states the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves.
"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," said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
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.
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.
For air forces looking for 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, including Advanced Pilot Training, Close Air Support (CAS), air patrol, air interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC) training, armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), border surveillance, 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 Human-Machine Interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe. The A-29 is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments and without infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers a high level of reliability, availability, and structural integrity with low life cycle costs.
Images: Embraer DAM
About Embraer
A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer operates in the Commercial Aviation, Executive Aviation, Defense & Security and Agricultural Aviation segments. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets aircraft and systems, and provides after-sales Services & Support to customers.
Since its foundation in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, every 10 seconds, an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off from somewhere in the world, transporting more than 150 million passengers annually.
Embraer is a leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service centers and parts distribution, among other activities, in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.
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