Embraer completes the maiden flight of the A-29N to the Força Aérea Portuguesa. Technical details, background, budgets, expected performance.
The maiden flight of the A-29N: a first for Portugal
Embraer and the Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP) celebrated a major milestone: the first flight of the new A-29N Super Tucano, designed for advanced training and light air support missions. This aircraft, configured to NATO standards, took off from the Gavião Peixoto base (Brazil) in the summer of 2025 before heading to the OGMA facilities in Portugal for final operational adaptations.
Background to the A-29N program ordered by Portugal
A strategic order
In December 2024, Portugal signed a contract worth an estimated €200 million (approximately $227 million at the time) for the acquisition of 12 A-29N Super Tucanos, a flight simulator, and logistical support. This contract makes Portugal the first European country to adopt the optimized NATO-standard version of the Super Tucano.
Employment objectives
The FAP plans to use these turboprops for close air support (CAS) and advanced training missions, particularly in Africa, in low-threat environments. The A-29N will also support Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training and armed reconnaissance missions. In particular, it will replace the Dassault-Dornier Alpha-Jet aircraft decommissioned in 2018.
Details of the maiden flight and NATO configuration
The flight from Brazil
The first two A-29Ns, identified as PT-CYA and PT-CYV, took off on August 25, 2025, from Embraer’s base in Gavião Peixoto for a journey of nearly 8,000 km to Portugal. The route, planned with external fuel tanks, probably followed a path via French Guiana or the Azores before arriving at OGMA in Alverca, near Lisbon.
Final configuration compliant with NATO standards
At OGMA, the aircraft will be fitted with essential equipment: tactical data link, single-pilot operability, and secure communications capabilities (including Rohde & Schwarz SOVERON AR radios).
Why was the A-29N chosen?
A proven and versatile platform
The base model, the EMB 314 Super Tucano, is a renowned light attack and training aircraft. Entering service in 2003, more than 260 units have been produced. It has logged approximately 570,000 flight hours, including more than 60,000 in combat missions.
An aircraft tailored to Portuguese needs
The A-29N was chosen for three key reasons:
- Modest but robust performance: maximum speed of approximately 370 mph, significant range, ability to operate from rough runways.
- Low operating costs compared to jets, while being suitable for modular missions such as CAS, ISR, border patrol, advanced training, and JTAC coordination.
- Interoperability with allied forces, thanks to its NATO systems, allowing the FAP to become more integrated into European operations.
Budget, schedule, and local industry
Overall budget
The contract, worth approximately €200 million, includes the 12 aircraft, a simulator, and associated logistical support.
Progressive deployment
Embraer indicates that the delivery and integration of the 12 aircraft will take place over two to three years, with the entire fleet expected to be complete by 2027-2028.
National industrial impact
OGMA plays a central role in Europe, both in terms of assembly and support. This project strengthens Portugal’s aeronautical capabilities, creates skilled jobs, and consolidates the country’s place in Embraer’s ecosystem, which also includes the C-390 Millennium program.
Expected performance of the A-29N
| Criterion | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | ~ 590 km/h |
| Range | up to ~ 3,000 km (with external tanks) |
| Payload capacity | Internal machine gun + guided munitions on five attachment points |
| Service ceiling | Approximately 10,670 m (35,000 ft) |
| Special features | Highly robust, low maintenance, capable of taking off and landing on rough runways |
This versatility, combined with controlled costs, makes it an asset for Portuguese overseas operations, particularly in Africa, and for advanced pilot training.
A turning point in the modernization of the FAP
The maiden flight of the A-29N is much more than a technical first: it marks a strategic transition for the Força Aérea Portuguesa. This aircraft will become part of the tradition of Esquadra 103, now responsible for advanced training, and will provide an effective and economical light projection capability.
Between heritage and modern projection
This flight illustrates the convergence of proven heritage and strategic innovation. The A-29N renews the Portuguese doctrine of air support and training, while aligning the FAP with NATO standards. The collaboration with Embraer and OGMA reaffirms Lisbon’s position as a European hub in the field of light air defense.
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