Embraer to expand A-29 Super Tucano C-UAS capabilities in H2 2026

A two-ship formation of A-29 Super Tucanos fly over Kabul, Afghanistan, during a mission on 28 April 2016. Embraer is working on giving the aircraft C-UAS capabilities. (US Air Force/Staff Sgt Larry E Reid Jr)

Embraer will make counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities available for its A-29 Super Tucano light combat aircraft in the second half (H2) of 2026, the company has told Janes.

“Embraer has finalised ground and flight tests to validate concept of operations (CONOPS) of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor air-to-air capabilities. At this moment we are implementing mission system software upgrades to enhance [the] effectiveness of the weapon systems in air-to-air missions,” Marcio Monteiro, market intelligence vice-president at Embraer Defense & Security, told Janes on 19 December. “We expect to have the solution implemented for demonstrations and available to current and new customers by the second half of 2026.”

Embraer's C-UAS capability pipeline was announced by the company on 11 November. It is positioning the Super Tucano, which is in use by 22 air forces around the world, as a premier C-UAS aircraft. Any Super Tucano is being modified for fitting with laser-guided rockets designed to defeat UASs, Monteiro said, describing it as a new mission set added for the A-29.

“The A-29 Super Tucano, since its original design, was conceived to perform air-to-air operations, especially aerial interception of small and slow aircraft flying at low altitudes,” Monteiro said, highlighting what he said was the aircraft's manoeuvrability and control. “Being slower than a mainstream fighter jet is actually a great advantage for tracking and designating UAS, once these usually fly close to 100 kt.”

He told Janes more than 300 aircraft have been ordered, with air forces around the world needing “close to 500” A-29s in the next 20 years.