Summary
- Uruguay’s acquisition of A-29 Super Tucanos marks its first new combat aircraft in over four decades, enhancing national security.
- The aircraft’s versatility makes it ideal for border surveillance and battling illegal activities, with over 160 in service in South America.
- Uruguay’s decision to rely on Brazilian technology for airspace surveillance demonstrates faith in the A-29 Super Tucano’s capabilities.
Embraer has revealed the sale of up to six A-29 Super Tucanos to the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU). The agreement entails a firm commitment to one aircraft – plus equipment, logistics services and a flight simulator – and options for an additional five airframes.
Embraer sells six Super Tucanos to Uruguay
The contract will see deliveries begin in 2025, with Uruguay becoming the sixth South American operator of the Super Tucano, alongside Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay. The modern light attack aircraft has received praise for its versatile range of capabilities, including close air support, patrol, ISR, forward air controller (FAC), air and tactical coordinator (TAC), operational training and much more.
Photo: Embraer
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, commented,
“We are honored by the decision of the Uruguayan Air Force, another South American nation to choose the A-29 Super Tucano, an aircraft that is a reference in its segment in the international market. With this acquisition, Uruguay will have differentiated capabilities that will greatly contribute to the surveillance of its borders and increase FAU’s operational readiness.”
Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, General Luis H. De León, noted that the FAU had not acquired any new combat aircraft since 1981. The country’s air force currently utilizes the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly as its primary attack aircraft.
Significant acquisition for Uruguay
The FAU has been undertaking a fleet renewal program that will enhance its operational capacities, and the Super Tucano will be its first new combat aircraft in over four decades. The Uruguayan Minister of National Defense, Armando Castaingdebat, praised the Super Tucano as a “great leap forward” for the country’s air capabilities.
Photo: Embraer
Uruguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Paganini, added,
“Uruguay seeks to strengthen its airspace surveillance and threat-response capabilities, and it does so relying on Brazilian technology, which proposes a very suitable platform for these purposes, such as the A-29 Super Tucano.”
Like other South American operators, Uruguay’s Super Tucanos are likely to be heavily used in surveilling its borders and tackling illegal activities, particularly drug smuggling. The aircraft was also designed with easy maintenance in mind, allowing operators to maintain high operational availability. As Embraer noted, there are already over 160 Super Tucanos in operation across “the most austere and demanding environments in South America,” with the plane’s versatility and reliability perfectly suited for challenging terrains.
At this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, Embraer announced the sale of six Super Tucanos to the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP), and the Brazilian planemaker has also held discussions with Portugal about becoming the launch customer of the A-29N, a NATO-configured variant. The Super Tucano is currently operated by 16 air forces around the globe, with the likes of Paraguay, Portugal and Uruguay soon to join the club.