Uruguay Becomes The Sixth Customer Of The A-29 Super Tucano Light Attack Aircraft in South America
After more than 40 years without acquiring new fighter aircraft, the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) took an essential step in the Montevideo government’s fleet renewal program on 27 August by ordering A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from the Brazilian global aviation company Embraer.
The contract, which will help the FAU expand its operational capacity, includes one A-29 for delivery in 2025, mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator. Uruguay also has the option to acquire five more aircraft in the future.
When the first A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft are delivered to the FAU, Uruguay will become the sixth South American country to use this type of aircraft, following Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay. These aircraft will replace the old A-37B Dragonfly, which Uruguay has been planning to retire since 2016. This will give the Air Force new capabilities in operations, such as the control of illegal activities, border surveillance, reconnaissance, and advanced training.
Chris Lofting
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, said in a statement regarding the contract:
“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.”
“Uruguay seeks to strengthen its airspace surveillance and threat response capabilities, and it does so rely on Brazilian technology, which proposes a very suitable platform for these purposes, such as the A-29 Super Tucanos,” Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Paganini said.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop light attack aircraft designed by Embraer to meet the requirements of air combat and demanding airspace operations. It is an effective choice for budget-conscious air forces because it is inexpensive and reasonably economical. It can also operate in harsh environments and rugged terrain, making it versatile.
The A-29 maximum and cruising speeds are 530km/h and 593km/h, respectively. The aircraft weighs 3,020 kg and can take off with a maximum weight of 5,200 kg. It features an electro-optical / infrared system with laser indication, a sensor system with night vision goggles, and secure communication and data link packages. One .50-caliber machine gun is mounted on each wing, and five hardpoints can carry a maximum external weight of 1,550 kg. Air-to-air missiles, bombs, rocket pods, and gun pods are among the weapons it may carry.