Sixth African country signs for Super Tucano
The order is for four aircraft. (Photo: Embraer)
The order comes on top of other countries ordering aircraft in 2024, specifically Portugal, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Embraer has closed out the year with another order for its A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft, this time to an undisclosed customer on the African continent.
The order is for four aircraft and the country joins five others in Africa. The value of the contract was not disclosed but unit price is likely to be US$13–$16 million per aircraft depending on ancillaries, supports and services included in the contract.
According to the company: “These aircraft will perform a wide spectrum of missions such as border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support, counterinsurgency and advanced flight training.”
There have been more than 290 A-29s ordered and according to the company these aircraft have completed more than 570,000 flight hours and 60,000 of those hours have been in combat.
In 2024, Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force.
In December 2024, Portugal announced that it would invest €200 million (US$209 million) to acquire 12 A-29Ns.
Announced via a statement from the Portuguese Council of Ministers on 12 December, the investment will also reportedly include a flight simulator and goods and logistics support, as well as full implementation and support of the aircraft.
The company previously announced the sale of six Super Tucanos to the Paraguayan Air Force in July 2024 at the Farnborough International Airshow. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025 with the price tag estimated to be around US$100 million.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
-
![India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify]()
India confronts widening military helicopter gap as border demands intensify
India’s major helicopter programmes are under the spotlight as the country turns to global partners to replace legacy helicopters with growing urgency.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Boeing’s MQ-28A targets key 2028 date as Block II ground tests begin
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is the most mature CCA platform currently under development, with Boeing looking to accelerate its timelines and development of the aircraft.
