Embraer Touts Counter-UAS Role for A-29N Super Tucano

Embraer is working on further upgrades to its A-29N Super Tucano to take the turboprop single “beyond the NATO version.” At a media briefing on June 10, the Brazilian manufacturer reported it is conducting tests with anti-drone technology that is scheduled to conclude by the end of the year.

Over 300 units of the advanced trainer and armored light attack aircraft have been ordered so far. Embraer estimates that of the over 625,000 flight hours accumulated by the A-29 to date, some 60,000 of these relate to combat missions.

Marcio Monteiro chief marketing officer at Embraer Defense and Security revealed that the company is “working on upgrades to the platform because [Embraer] sees technology has evolved, the warfare context has evolved.” He added that “despite the dynamics of the warfare environment, we still see the platform as being very relevant because it’s multi-mission and very affordable.” 

One Super Tucano airframe is being used for ongoing evaluation of anti-drone technology, designed alongside engagement with some undisclosed customers. The planned capabilities include advanced electro-optic imagery, new and upcoming air-to-air sensors, and integration of target classification technology through a partnership with an undisclosed U.S. partner. 

Less Costly Drone Protection

Monteiro acknowledged that “many nations are currently using fifth-generation types of fighters that have trouble in identifying and shooting [advanced drones] down, not to mention the prohibitive cost that it takes to run those missions.” As such, Embraer believes the A-29’s rugged, cost-effective capabilities—coupled with a maintenance programme he described as “low-demanding”—could help counter a growing threat.  

In April 2023, Embraer launched the NATO-configured variant of the Super Tucano, dubbed the A-29N. This, it explained, included “equipment and features to fulfil NATO’s operational requirements, such as a new datalink and single-pilot operation.” Portugal became the first NATO-specific customer in late 2024, and overall, Embraer sees demand for roughly 500 units in the next 20 years to augment perceived capability gaps.

While the A-29N is currently assembled alongside the KC-390 at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, in December 2025, the manufacturer suggested it could establish a potential additional line in Portugal. At the time, president and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security Bosco da Costa Junior confirmed that “there is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-UAS missions in Europe.”

However, Monteiro seemed less confident about the future of a separate facility in Jacksonville, Florida, operated through a strategic partnership with the Sierra Nevada Corporation. This has served allied customers, such as Lebanon and Nigeria, through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales initiative. With repeat orders not forthcoming, “soon there will be a time when we will have to sit down and discuss with our American partners and the U.S. government itself what to do,” he concluded.