A-29N
RIO DE JANEIRO—As the Brazilian manufacturer still seeks a first European launch customer, Embraer has launched a NATO-compliant version of the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
The launch of the A-29N during the LAAD Defense and Security event on April 12 here comes as NATO member Portugal has started shopping for a close air support aircraft.
“Several European countries have shown interest in specific aircraft capabilities that we have now introduced in this version,” said Bosco da Costa Jr., CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.
A standard NATO package developed by Embraer includes a Link 16 datalink, ARC-210 radio, military GPS receiver, a Mode 4/5 Interrogation Friend or Foe transponder and KY-100 high-frequency cryptographic security.
Embraer has sold the A-29 to 15 operators, including the U.S. government. But the latter forwarded the aircraft to other air forces outside of NATO, and no other member of the transatlantic alliance has yet ordered the turboprop-propelled fighter.
Last month, Portugal added a close air support aircraft to its procurement plans as part of a €5.5 billion ($5.8 billion) uptick in defense spending this year. Local media reports have said Lisbon could buy up to 10 fighters.
Last September, Embraer established a maintenance center for the A-29 in Portugal at an OGMA facility.
