Manufacturer Embraer is adapting its A‑29 Super Tucano turboprop for counter‑UAS missions, integrating new sensors and weapons to provide current and future operators with an affordable unmanned aerial systems defence option.

 

São José dos Campos, Brazil – Embraer has announced that its A‑29 Super Tucano aircraft is being equipped with capabilities to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), thereby expanding its mission portfolio. The development is based on the use of existing sensors and systems together with newly‑integrated datalinks, an Electro‑Optical/Infra‑Red (EO/IR) sensor for laser tracking and designation, laser‑guided rockets and wing‑mounted .50 calibre machine guns.

 

Under the operational concept defined by Embraer, current and future A‑29 operators will be able to adopt counter‑UAS missions in addition to the aircraft’s established roles. The platform is already recognised for its versatility in missions such as close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced pilot training, border surveillance and air escort.

 

Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, noted that modern warfare and recent conflicts have illustrated the urgent need for cost‑effective solutions to drone threats. He described the A‑29 as an ideal tool to counter UAS effectively and at low cost, building on its existing extensive mission set.

 

The A‑29 Super Tucano is a rugged turboprop aircraft designed to operate from forward bases and unimproved runways in austere terrain. To date it has been selected by 22 air forces around the world. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft combines a multi‑mission capability with low life‑cycle cost, high reliability and structural integrity.

 

The new counter‑UAS capability is available for both current and future operators of the platform, offering opportunities to upgrade existing fleets with the sensors and systems defined in Embraer’s