In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) has announced the acquisition of up to six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer. The contract, revealed today, is part of a broader fleet renewal program aimed at enhancing FAU’s operational capacity and includes the initial purchase of one aircraft, with an option for five additional units. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2025 and will include mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator.
With this acquisition, Uruguay joins an elite group of South American nations — Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay — that operate the A-29 Super Tucano. Known for its operational versatility in the region, the A-29 is widely employed in various missions such as combating illegal activities, border monitoring, reconnaissance, and advanced pilot training. Across South America, a fleet of over 160 Super Tucanos operates in some of the most challenging environments, from the humid Amazon rainforest to the cold regions of southern Chile and the arid deserts of northern parts.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, expressed his enthusiasm for Uruguay’s decision, stating, “We are honored by the Uruguayan Air Force’s choice of the A-29 Super Tucano, an aircraft that has become a benchmark in its segment on the international stage. This acquisition will significantly enhance Uruguay’s border surveillance and FAU’s overall operational readiness.”
Uruguayan officials also highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition. Uruguayan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Omar Paganini, noted, “Uruguay is committed to strengthening its airspace surveillance and threat response capabilities, and we are confident that the A-29 Super Tucano, with its Brazilian technology, is the right platform for these objectives.”
Armando Castaingdebat, Uruguay’s Minister of National Defense, emphasized the broader implications of this purchase, saying, “This marks a significant leap forward in our defense capabilities, allowing us to better control our territorial sovereignty and combat crime in all its forms.”
General Luis H. De León, Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, added, “This is the first time since 1981 that our country has acquired new combat aircraft. The arrival of these planes will undoubtedly boost morale and professional satisfaction within the Air Force.”
The A-29 Super Tucano is recognized globally as a leader in its category, with over 260 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, including 60,000 in combat. Its reputation for being cost-effective, versatile, and reliable makes it an attractive choice for air forces worldwide, capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, from close air support and air patrol to advanced training and border surveillance.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, robust avionics, and a simple maintenance concept, the A-29 Super Tucano is designed for high reliability and low life cycle costs, making it ideally suited for operation in the most demanding environments. With this purchase, the Uruguayan Air Force is poised to significantly enhance its defense and surveillance capabilities in the coming years.