Embraer has delivered the first two A-29 Super Tucano to the Uruguayan Air Force. The aircraft are part of a program to renew the fleet and expand FAU's operational capabilities, like airspace and border protection. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, has also included mission equipment, integrated logistics services and a flight simulator.
“We are honored to deliver the first A-29 Super Tucanos to the Uruguayan Air Force. This milestone strengthens a partnership that has grown over more than 50 years, dating back to when Uruguay became the first international customer to acquire an Embraer aircraft," President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior, affirmed.
"These multi-mission aircraft represents a significant milestone in the FAU’s history, expanding its operational capabilities in ways never previously possible.”
According to Embraer, the Super Tucano has been selected by 22 air forces worldwide and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours.
"Today is a historic day, of great relevance for Uruguay and its Air Force. With the materialization of the acquisition of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the long-awaited modernization is achieved, this incorporation will mark an operational and technological change of our Combat Fleet," the Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, Air General Fernando Colina, stated.
The A-29 Super Tucano has offered a wide range of missions, including Advanced Pilot Training, Close Air Support (CAS), Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, Joint Terminal Attack (JTAC), Armed Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Border Surveillance, Air Escort, and most recently, countering drones.
"The acquisition of these aircraft opens a new technological horizon. Beyond their good flight performance, modern on-board systems open up new possibilities, allowing the acquisition of new capabilities, which redefines the Uruguayan Air Force's Air Power," Commander of the II Air Brigade, Col. S. S. (Av.) Shandelaio González, said.
The A-29 Super Tucano's capability has been enhanced by advanced human-machine interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into the airframe. It is capable of operating from unpaved runways in harsh environments and without infrastructure.