Embraer, a global leader in aerospace and defense, and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a worldwide leader in aerospace and national security, have signed a new sales agreement for the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. The announcement was made during the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Air, Space & Cyber Conference.
The purchase involves the sale of one A-29 Super Tucano to SNC in advance of a pending Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case. This early acquisition enables SNC’s foreign partner to begin pilot training immediately upon anticipated contract award, potentially reducing the time to Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by up to a year.
A-29 Super Tucano Production in the United States
The aircraft will be built at Embraer’s defense production facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the past decade, Embraer and SNC have delivered nearly 50 A-29 aircraft to air forces worldwide, supporting missions ranging from light attack operations to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
The A-29 is known for its cost-effectiveness, combat versatility, and proven performance in diverse operational environments, making it a popular choice for both U.S. allies and international partners.
Strategic Partnership Between Embraer and SNC
Speaking on the occasion, Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the significance of the deal:
“It is with great satisfaction that we see the A-29 made in the United States continuing its successful history. The Super Tucano offers unmatched light attack and multi-mission capabilities that are both effective and affordable to meet U.S. and Allied Force’s needs. At the same time, we are confident that our relationship with SNC, which extends for more than 10 years, will continue to expand given that an increased number of FMS customers are seeing a growing need for this sort of capability.”
Why This Deal Matters
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Faster delivery & training: Early purchase accelerates pilot training and operational readiness.
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Global demand growth: Rising interest in light attack and ISR aircraft boosts Embraer’s and SNC’s joint market presence.
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Strengthened U.S. production: Jacksonville facility ensures domestic manufacturing and supports U.S. defense industry jobs.
Key Takeaways
The A-29 Super Tucano agreement between Embraer and SNC highlights the aircraft’s growing role in modern light attack and ISR operations. With a proven track record, cost efficiency, and adaptability, the A-29 remains a strategic asset for allied air forces worldwide.
