Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has signed a deal with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to supply an A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The agreement comes ahead of a broader US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which remains pending approval from Congress and the State Department. The end-user nation under the FMS arrangement has not yet been revealed.
By moving forward with the purchase before the final contract is authorized, SNC aims to accelerate the training of pilots and streamline the aircraft’s entry into service. This proactive step could shorten the delivery and deployment timeline by as much as a year. Production of the aircraft will take place at Embraer’s defense facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The A-29 Super Tucano, a proven turboprop aircraft, is designed for light attack missions, close air support, reconnaissance, and advanced pilot training. Known for its rugged performance, the aircraft can operate from austere environments, including short and unpaved runways. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine producing around 1,600 horsepower, enabling it to reach top speeds of 320 knots, fly at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, and travel 720 nautical miles on a single mission.
Compact in design with a length and wingspan of 36 feet, the aircraft boasts a wide range of weapons options, including cannons, machine guns, guided bombs, and missiles. Its advanced onboard systems—covering weapons management, secure communication, navigation, night vision, and imaging sensors—allow the Super Tucano to seamlessly switch between combat operations and training roles, strengthening its value to future operators.
