Portugal to receive first Super Tucano aircraft

An artist's impression of an Embraer A-29 Super Tucano in Portugal markings. The European NATO country has ordered 12 such aircraft for training and light strike duties. (Embraer)

The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) will receive the initial A-29N Super Tucano light attack aircraft this year, chief operating officer (COO) of Embraer Defense & Security Walter Pinto Junior told Janes in late April.

The production of several aircraft for Portugal is under way, Pinto Junior said, without detailing the exact number due to a non-disclosure agreement. The fleet will be delivered in two to three years, the official added.

Portugal signed for 12 of the turboprop-powered aircraft on 16 December 2024, worth approximately EUR200 million (USD226.9 million), becoming the launch customer for the A-29N Super Tucano NATO-standard aircraft.

In addition to the 12 aircraft, the contract with Lisbon covers the purchase of a flight simulator and a logistics support package.

The FAP said the aircraft will fulfil close air support missions for combined operations, ensuring armed protection for ground troops in low-threat scenarios in Africa.

The A-29N Super Tucano includes range and endurance improvements, as well as an electro-optical surveillance system, provisions to deploy rocket launching pods and precision weapons, two standard built-in M3P 12.7×99 mm machine guns, and a self-protection suite.

A payload of NATO-standard communications and navigation equipment will be installed, such as very/ultra-high-frequency (V/UHF) radios, satellite communications (satcom) terminal, Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS) module, Variable Message Format (VMF) tactical messaging system, Link 16 datalink, a video downlink system compatible with the Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) technology, a Mod 5 identification friend-or-foe (IFF) transponder, and a military GPS system.