The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will launch a program to modernize its fleet of 68 Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft in early 2025, an official revealed to Shepard Media.
The process, which seeks to update the technological capabilities of these aircraft, used both as light fighters and for advanced training, will begin with technical and operational feasibility studies.
The official announcement of this initiative took place during the Paris Air Show 2023, in June of last year, when the FAB and Embraer signed an agreement to conduct studies related to the mid-life modernization (MLU) of the A-29 Super Tucano model.
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With the planned improvements, budgeted at US$340 million, the aircraft will be designated as A-29M, incorporating technological innovations that will bring them closer to the operational level of the advanced F-39E/F Gripen fighters.
The planned upgrades include the replacement of avionics, possibly supplied by the Israeli company Elbit, in addition to new sensors.
The Super Tucanos will also have their structure reinforced and will be included in the Datalink BR-2 system, which communicates with other FAB aircraft.
Based on the EMB-312 Tucano, the A-29 was developed to provide advanced training for FAB pilots, but also to serve as a close support and border patrol aircraft, especially in the Central-West and North regions, where they intercept drug trafficking planes with some frequency.
The FAB ordered 99 of them in 2003 and should keep the remaining ones in service at least until the end of the 2030s.
After a period without new operators, Embraer closed the sale of 18 Super Tucanos to Uruguay and Paraguay this year.
