Montevideo, Uruguay – The Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) is set to make a significant leap in its operational capabilities following the announcement by Embraer on August 26, 2024, of the purchase of up to six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. This contract is part of a fleet renewal program aimed at expanding FAU’s operational capacity, beginning with the acquisition of one aircraft and the option to purchase five additional units. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2025 and will include mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator.
With this purchase, Uruguay joins the ranks of South American nations operating the A-29 Super Tucano, alongside Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay. The aircraft has proven to be a flexible and versatile platform in the region, utilized for a variety of missions, including illegal activity control, border monitoring, reconnaissance, and advanced training. A regional fleet of over 160 Super Tucanos operates in some of the most challenging environments in South America, from the humid Amazon rainforest to the frigid southern regions of Chile, the scorching northern deserts, and the mountainous areas of Colombia and Ecuador.
“We are honored by the decision of the Uruguayan Air Force, another South American nation choosing the A-29 Super Tucano, an aircraft that is a reference in its segment in the international market. With this acquisition, Uruguay will gain enhanced capabilities that will greatly contribute to border surveillance and increase FAU’s operational readiness,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini emphasized the importance of strengthening the country’s airspace surveillance and threat response capabilities, relying on Brazilian technology. He highlighted the suitability of the A-29 Super Tucano platform for these missions.
Uruguay’s Minister of National Defense, Armando Castaingdebat, echoed these sentiments, noting that this acquisition marks a significant step forward in enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities and in meeting the demands of territorial sovereignty and combating crime.
General Luis H. De León, Commander-in-Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, pointed out the historical importance of this purchase, stating, “Since 1981, our country has not acquired new combat aircraft. This purchase will generate great motivation and professional satisfaction within the Air Force.”
The A-29 Super Tucano stands as the global leader in its category, with over 260 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, 60,000 of which were in combat. The aircraft is favored by air forces worldwide for its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and comprehensive mission capabilities, including close air support, air patrol, special operations, and more.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and an advanced communications suite, the A-29 Super Tucano is designed to operate in austere environments, from unpaved runways and with minimal infrastructure, ensuring high reliability and low life cycle costs.