Inaugural Delivery Marks Milestone for Portuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force officially took delivery of its first five A-29N Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer on December 17, 2025. The ceremony, held at the OGMA facilities near Lisbon, signifies a significant modernization step for Portugal's aerial capabilities. Portugal is now the first European nation and the first worldwide operator to integrate this specific NATO-configured variant into its fleet.
The delivery comes just over a year after the acquisition agreement was signed on December 16, 2024, for a total of 12 aircraft, valued at approximately €200 million. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered, with full operational capability anticipated by 2027.
Enhanced Capabilities and NATO Compliance
The A-29N Super Tucano variant has been specifically developed to meet NATO operational requirements, featuring advanced avionics and NATO-specific communication systems. These include V/UHF radios, SATCOM terminals, a DACAS module for digitized close air support, and a Link 16 data link. This integration ensures interoperability with alliance forces and positions Portugal with a strategic advantage.
The aircraft will serve a dual mission for the Portuguese Air Force: advanced pilot training and close air support in low-threat environments. They are also capable of performing a wide range of other missions, including:
- Light attack
- Armed reconnaissance
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Border patrol
- Air interdiction
- Counter-drone operations
The new aircraft will replace older pilot training assets that have been in service for nearly four decades, such as the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets retired in 2018 and the Socata TB30 Epsilon trainers.
Official Statements and Future Prospects
Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo and the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves, were present at the handover ceremony. General Cartaxo Alves stated that the delivery 'represents another decisive step in the modernization of the Air Force, reinforcing its robustness and technological capacity.' Minister Melo highlighted the aircraft's operational flexibility, noting its relevance for current and future missions, including its potential for 'counter-drone missions.'
In a further development, Embraer and the Portuguese government signed a Letter of Interest to explore the establishment of an A-29N final assembly line in Portugal, potentially located at Beja Air Base. This initiative aims to meet national requirements and could position Portugal as a supplier for other European nations, strengthening the defense industrial base in the region. The newly delivered aircraft will be flown to Air Base No. 11 in Beja, where they will formally join Squadron 101, known as 'Roncos'.
7 Comments
Mariposa
Finally, replacing those ancient trainers. This is a huge step forward.
BuggaBoom
While modernizing the Air Force is crucial for NATO obligations, the €200 million investment raises questions about opportunity costs for other pressing national needs. It's a necessary upgrade, but at what broader societal expense?
Habibi
Counter-drone missions? Sounds like an expensive way to deal with drones.
ZmeeLove
Replacing old trainers is definitely a positive step for pilot development and operational readiness. Yet, focusing heavily on 'light attack' aircraft might divert resources from acquiring more advanced air superiority assets that could be vital for future defense challenges.
Habibi
Boosting our defense industry with a potential assembly line? Brilliant for jobs!
anubis
NATO compliance and multi-role capabilities? Excellent strategic move, Portugal!
paracelsus
The A-29N offers valuable versatility for training and low-threat operations, effectively replacing outdated assets. However, its effectiveness in more contested airspace scenarios against sophisticated adversaries remains a concern, highlighting a potential gap in high-end capabilities.