Sierra Nevada Corporation, Embraer’s partner in sales of the A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft, last week announced a new contract with the U.S. Air Force. The negotiation, considered an “undefinitized contracting action”, foresees the first deliveries of the turboprop in 2021, but does not reveal the number of aircraft ordered, although it is believed that it will involve two or three units.
“SNC is honored to build and deliver the combat-proven A-29 to the U.S. Air Force,” said Mark Williams, vice president of aviation strategic plans and programs for SNC’s IAS business area. “The U.S Air Force will now have the opportunity to deploy the A-29 in support of U.S. and allied operations. This acquisition provides long-overdue capabilities to the warfighter and best value to the U.S. taxpayer. ”
The contract includes pilot training, ground support equipment, logistics and spare parts, but the amount has not been made public either.
Sierra Nevada has been an Embraer partner in the USA since 2013 when they won a USAF bid to supply the Super Tucanos to Afghanistan and since then the two companies have been winning more orders for the light attack and reconnaissance aircraft. In 2019, the A-29 was sold to Nigeria which will receive a total of 12 units.
According to the American company, the new A-29 will be used “for the Combat Air Advisor mission for Air Force Special Operations Command”.
Military agreement with Brazil
This weekend, the presidents of the U.S., Donald Trump, and Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, signed a military agreement that provides for the access of Brazilian companies to the American defense market.
With this, Brazil will have access to the “Research Development Test & Evaluation” fund, used to finance joint programs of the US armed forces. The expectation is that Brazilian defense manufacturers like Embraer will be able to participate in more competitions in America.
