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

This article is based on an official press release from Vulcanair S.p.A. and additional industry reporting.

Vulcanair Commences Production of A-VIATOR Fleet for Indonesian Navy

Vulcanair S.p.A. has officially announced the commencement of construction on four A-VIATOR (AP.68TP-600) turboprop aircraft destined for the Indonesian Navy. According to a company press release dated February 11, 2026, production is now underway at the manufacturers headquarters in Casoria, near Naples, Italy.

The activation of this contract marks a significant milestone in the modernization efforts of the Indonesian Navy. While the initial agreement was signed in December 2023, the contract was formally activated on January 29, 2026, following the finalization of necessary financing arrangements. The deal encompasses not only the airframes but also a comprehensive support package designed to enhance the Navy’s operational readiness.

Contract Scope and Mission Profile

The agreement secures the delivery of four twin-engine turboprop aircraft. Vulcanair confirmed that the contract includes extensive logistical and training support. Specifically, the package provides for pilot and maintenance technician training, as well as the delivery of a dedicated, customized flight simulator to ensure ongoing crew proficiency.

The Indonesian Navy intends to utilize the A-VIATOR fleet for a diverse set of missions. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft will be deployed for multi-engine turboprop training, personnel and cargo transport, and maritime surveillance. The versatility of the platform allows for reconfiguration to support medical evacuation roles as well, addressing the complex logistical needs of Indonesia’s archipelagic geography.

“The A-VIATOR is a cost-effective solution for special missions, offering a sleek yet simple fuselage that allows for easy reconfiguration.”

, Vulcanair S.p.A. Press Release

Technical Specifications: The A-VIATOR (AP.68TP-600)

The A-VIATOR is a high-wing, non-pressurized twin-engine aircraft derived from the Partenavia P.68 series. It is designed to offer economic operation without sacrificing performance, particularly in rugged environments.

Powerplant and Performance

The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce 250 B17/F turboprop engines. This propulsion choice is critical for the aircraft’s mission profile, providing the reliability required for over-water operations, a safety advantage the manufacturer highlights over single-engine alternatives.

Avionics and Structure

Vulcanair states that the new fleet will be equipped with the “latest avionics suite,” ensuring compatibility with modern navigation and surveillance standards. The airframe features an all-metal structure with stressed skin and a retractable tricycle landing gear system. These design elements contribute to the aircraft’s short field performance, enabling it to operate in and out of remote areas with short or unprepared runways.

AirPro News analysis

Strategic Implications of the Deal

The activation of the Vulcanair contract reflects a broader trend in Indonesia’s defense procurement strategy, which increasingly favors cost-effective, multi-role platforms over heavier, single-purpose assets. By replacing older large turboprops and obsolete piston aircraft with the A-VIATOR, the Indonesian Navy appears to be prioritizing operational flexibility and lower operating costs.

Furthermore, this procurement underscores the strengthening defense ties between Italy and Indonesia. Industry reports from early 2026 suggest that this deal may be part of a larger framework of cooperation, with parallel discussions reportedly underway regarding the acquisition of retired Italian naval assets, such as the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi. While Vulcanair’s contract is focused on light transport and training, it serves as a tangible entry point for Italian aerospace engineering into Indonesia’s modernizing fleet.

Corporate Developments and Global Footprint

Vulcanair S.p.A., founded in 1996, continues to leverage the heritage of the Partenavia and Siai Marchetti programs. While the Indonesian Navy contract secures production lines at the Casoria headquarters, the company is simultaneously expanding its presence in North-America.

In late 2025, Vulcanair Aircraft North America inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Unlike the Italian facility, which handles the heavy-duty twin-engine A-VIATOR production, the US site is dedicated to producing the V1 single-engine trainer to meet high demand from American flight schools. This dual-track production strategy allows Vulcanair to service government defense contracts in Europe while capturing the high-volume civilian training market in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the aircraft be delivered?
While the press release confirms that construction began in February 2026 following the January contract activation, specific delivery dates for the four units have not been publicly detailed.

What engines does the A-VIATOR use?
The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce 250 B17/F turboprop engines.

Where are these aircraft being built?
The four aircraft for the Indonesian Navy are being manufactured at Vulcanair’s headquarters in Casoria (Naples), Italy.

Is this the only recent Vulcanair expansion?
No. In addition to the Italian production for Indonesia, Vulcanair opened a new facility in North Carolina, USA, in late 2025 to produce single-engine V1 trainers.

Sources: Vulcanair Press Release, Naval News, Defense Studies

This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and additional industry data.

GA-ASI YFQ-42A Completes Semi-Autonomous Flight Using Third-Party Software

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced a significant technical achievement in the development of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. In early February 2026, the company successfully conducted a semi-autonomous flight of its YFQ-42A prototype, a critical contender for the Air Force’s future fleet of uncrewed “loyal wingmen.”

The flight, which lasted more than four hours, is particularly notable for its Software architecture. According to the company, the aircraft was controlled by “Sidekick” Collaborative Mission Autonomy software developed by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. This integration demonstrates the viability of the Air Force’s “open architecture” strategy, where mission software from one vendor can successfully pilot an airframe built by another.

Validating the Open Architecture Vision

The primary objective of this flight test was to validate the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). Historically, military aircraft have relied on proprietary software tightly coupled with the hardware, making upgrades difficult and locking the military into specific vendors. The CCA program aims to break this paradigm by decoupling the “brains” from the “body.”

During the mission, the YFQ-42A utilized the government-standard A-GRA to interface with the Collins Aerospace software. GA-ASI reports that the aircraft executed complex commands initiated by a ground operator but performed the actual flight maneuvers via onboard Automation.

David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in a statement:

“The integration of Sidekick with our YFQ-42A demonstrates our commitment to innovation and operational excellence… We are excited to collaborate with Collins to deliver enhanced autonomous mission solutions.”

Human-on-the-Loop Operations

The operational concept demonstrated during this flight is described as “human-on-the-loop.” Rather than a pilot remotely controlling the aircraft’s stick and rudder, a human operator at a Ground Station Console (GSC) issues high-level mission commands. The aircraft’s autonomy software then determines the necessary altitude, airspeed, navigation, and sensor adjustments to execute those orders.

Ryan Bunge, Vice President at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the speed at which this integration occurred:

“The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this General Atomics platform… underscores the strength and flexibility of our open systems approach.”

Strategic Context: The Race for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

This milestone comes at a pivotal moment for the CCA program. The U.S. Air Force intends to field a fleet of at least 1,000 uncrewed aircraft to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and the forthcoming Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform. The program emphasizes “affordable mass,” with target unit costs estimated between $20.5 million and $27.5 million.

GA-ASI is currently competing against Anduril Industries for the Increment 1 production contract. While Anduril’s YFQ-44A “Fury” conducted its First-Flight in October 2025, GA-ASI is leveraging its extensive history with the MQ-20 Avenger and XQ-67A sensing station to demonstrate reliability and modularity.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful integration of Collins Aerospace software onto a General Atomics airframe is a major proof point for the Department of Defense’s acquisition strategy. By proving that third-party autonomy can drive the YFQ-42A, GA-ASI effectively de-risks the program for the Air Force.

This capability prevents “vendor lock,” allowing the Air Force to upgrade tactical software, effectively the aircraft’s tactical instincts, without needing to modify the physical airframe. If the software from one vendor outperforms another in simulation, the Air Force theoretically retains the flexibility to swap “apps” on the aircraft, ensuring the fleet remains adaptable to evolving threats without the long lead times associated with traditional hardware updates.

Future Outlook and Testing

Following this successful semi-autonomous flight, the testing schedule for the CCA program is expected to accelerate throughout 2026. The Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Nellis Air Force Base is slated to conduct advanced trials, which will likely involve joint flights pairing these uncrewed systems with manned fighters to test tactical coordination.

Additionally, the U.S. Marine Corps has selected the YFQ-42A to evaluate for its own MUX TACAIR program, further expanding the potential market for GA-ASI’s platform. A production decision for the CCA Increment 1 program is expected by the end of Fiscal Year 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YFQ-42A?

The YFQ-42A is GA-ASI’s prototype for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. It is a stealthy, jet-powered uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighters.

What is A-GRA?

A-GRA stands for Autonomy Government Reference Architecture. It is a government-owned standard designed to allow software from different vendors to work on various hardware platforms, promoting competition and easier upgrades.

Who provides the software for the YFQ-42A?

While GA-ASI builds the airframe, the recent test flight utilized “Sidekick” mission autonomy software provided by Collins Aerospace (RTX), demonstrating the open architecture capability.

Sources

• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems