Embraer Delivers First Two A-29 Super Tucanos to Uruguayan Air Force

On February 18, 2026, Embraer officially delivered the first two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya, FAU). The handover ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, marking the commencement of a significant fleet modernization program for Uruguay. This delivery represents the first time since 1981 that the FAU has acquired new combat aircraft, signaling a major shift in the nation’s defense capabilities.

According to the company’s announcement, these aircraft are the first of six ordered by Uruguay to patrol its borders and control its airspace. The acquisition is part of a broader effort to replace aging platforms and address the technological obsolescence that has challenged the FAU in recent decades.

A Milestone for Uruguayan Air Power

The delivery ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, Air General Fernando Colina, and Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO, Bosco da Costa Junior. The event underscored the deepening relationship between Brazil and Uruguay in the defense sector.

In a statement provided by Embraer, Bosco da Costa Junior highlighted the historical significance of the partnership:

“We are honored to deliver the first A-29 Super Tucanos to the Uruguayan Air Force. This milestone strengthens a partnership that has grown over more than 50 years… These multi-mission aircraft represent a significant milestone in the FAU’s history, expanding its operational capabilities in ways never previously possible.”

For the Uruguayan Air Force, the arrival of the A-29 Super Tucano is not merely an equipment update but a recovery of lost operational capacity. The fleet is intended to replace the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, a platform that has been in service since 1976 and has suffered from low availability and high maintenance costs in recent years.

Air General Fernando Colina emphasized the strategic importance of the new vector during the ceremony:

“Today is a historic day… With the materialization of the acquisition of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the long-awaited modernization is achieved… With the arrival of the Super Tucanos, Uruguay obtains a great tool to meet its objectives; it is the vector with which we will be able to recover and expand capabilities to guard our airspace.”

Contract Details and Fleet Expansion

The delivery follows a contract initially signed in August 2024 for one aircraft, which included options for five additional units. By January 2025, the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense exercised these options, converting them into firm orders for a total fleet of six aircraft. While the first two units have now been delivered, the remaining four are scheduled for delivery through 2027 at a rate of two per year.

Industry data indicates the total investment for this modernization package is approximately $100 million USD. The contract encompasses more than just the airframes; it includes mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator. The simulator is set to be installed at Air Brigade II in Durazno, which will serve as the primary base for the new A-29 fleet.

Operational Roles

The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop light attack and advanced training aircraft designed for versatility. According to Embraer, the aircraft delivered to Uruguay will be tasked with diverse missions, including:

• Control of national airspace.
• Border surveillance and patrol.
• Interception of illegal flights, particularly those associated with drug trafficking.
• Advanced pilot training.
• Armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Col. S. S. (Av.) Shandelaio González, Commander of the II Air Brigade, noted that the acquisition “opens a new technological horizon” for the force, citing modern on-board systems that redefine the FAU’s air power potential.

AirPro News Analysis

The Uruguayan Air Force’s transition to the A-29 Super Tucano reflects a pragmatic shift common among South American air forces. While the A-29 is a turboprop rather than a jet, its modern avionics and lower operating costs make it far more suitable for the region’s primary security threat: transnational crime and illicit cross-border flights.

Replacing the vintage Cessna A-37 Dragonfly with the Super Tucano allows Uruguay to maintain air sovereignty without the prohibitive costs of operating supersonic jets, which are often overkill for intercepting slow-moving smuggling aircraft. This move aligns Uruguay with neighbors like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, all of whom operate the Super Tucano for similar counter-insurgency and border control roles. The inclusion of a flight simulator in the contract further suggests a long-term commitment to rebuilding pilot proficiency, which likely suffered during the years of low equipment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft did Uruguay order?
Uruguay has ordered a total of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

When will the remaining aircraft be delivered?
Following the delivery of the first two in February 2026, the remaining four aircraft are expected to be delivered through 2027.

What aircraft is the A-29 replacing?
The A-29 Super Tucano is replacing the aging Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, which has been in service with the Uruguayan Air Force since 1976.

Where will the new fleet be based?
The fleet will be based at Air Brigade II in Durazno, Uruguay.

Sources

• Embraer Official Press Release