National Harbor, USA – September 23, 2025 – Embraer and SNC (Sierra Nevada Corporation) announced during the Air, Space & Cyber Conference of the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) an agreement for the sale of one A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to SNC.
The transaction takes place in advance of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, ensuring that pilots from a foreign partner can begin training immediately after the contract is signed. This investment reduces by up to one year the time required to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The aircraft will be produced on Embraer’s defense production line in Jacksonville, Florida.
+ Ukraine destroys rare Russian Be-12 aircraft in historic drone strike in Crimea
Over more than a decade, Embraer and SNC have already delivered around 50 Super Tucano units to different air forces around the world.
Official statements
“It is with great satisfaction that we see the A-29 manufactured in the United States continue its successful history. The Super Tucano offers unmatched light attack and multi-mission capabilities, combining efficiency and affordability. We are fully confident that our relationship with SNC, already consolidated for more than 10 years, will continue to expand, especially given the growing demand from FMS customers for this type of capability,” said Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Defense & Security.
“SNC is known for investing early in strategic programs to accelerate progress and support the warfighter. By acquiring this A-29, we ensure longer training time and faster IOC for pilots. With the growing demand for the Super Tucano worldwide, we are proud to continue offering this exceptional aircraft to the U.S. and its allies, reinforcing our long-standing partnership with Embraer,” said Ray Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Technology at SNC.
The A-29 Super Tucano
Selected by 22 air forces worldwide, the Super Tucano combines operational flexibility, low life cycle cost, and high reliability. Recently, Embraer and SNC delivered three units for the Combat Aviation Advisor (CAA) mission of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
With state-of-the-art avionics, an advanced human-machine interface, and a complete communication and weapons suite, the A-29 is recognized as the most effective and affordable multi-mission platform in its category.
The aircraft performs a variety of missions, including:
- advanced pilot training,
- close air support (CAS),
- air patrol,
- air interdiction,
- JTAC training,
- armed ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance),
- border surveillance,
- air escort.
Source and images: Embraer. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
