Embraer has delivered the first five A-29N Super Tucano aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force, making Portugal the launch customer for the new NATO-configured variant. The delivery, completed just over a year after contract signature, is part of a 12-aircraft order supporting Portugal’s air force modernisation.
During the ceremony in Alverca, Embraer and the Portuguese State also signed a Letter of Interest to explore establishing a final assembly line for the A-29N in Portugal. The proposed facility would serve growing European demand, particularly for counter-UAS missions, and strengthen Portugal’s and Europe’s defence industrial base.
The A-29N expands Portugal’s capabilities beyond pilot training to include close air support, joint and combined operations, and anti-drone missions. Embraer highlighted strong European interest in the platform and underlined that local assembly could support future government-to-government sales.
The Super Tucano is in service with 22 air forces worldwide, has accumulated over 600,000 flight hours, and is recognised for its multi-mission flexibility, low operating costs, and ability to operate from austere environments.