Embraer, Portugal Open Talks For A-29 Assembly Line

Portugal’s defense minister on Dec. 17 declared interest in local assembly of Embraer A-29 light combat and trainer aircraft.

Nuno Melo, the defense minister, signed the letter of interest while formally receiving the first five of 12 A-29N Super Tucanos ordered by the Portuguese air force at Embraer’s local partner OGMA’s industrial complex in Alverca, Portugal.

The proposed final assembly line—the third for the Super Tucano, globally—would be established in Beja, a small city and home of a Portuguese air force base in the country’s interior, the Ministry of National Defense said in a news release. Embraer also assembles A-29Ns in Gaviao Peixoto, Brazil and Jacksonville, Florida.

The facility, if approved, would assemble Portuguese A-29Ns and others ordered by European countries, the ministry added.

“There is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-[uncrewed aircraft systems] missions in Europe, and a potential assembly line in Portugal paves the way for the development of new business and broader cooperation with the Portuguese defense industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

Portuguese industry are already involved in upgrading the country’s A-29N fleet. A group of local companies is adapting the Super Tucano with NATO-standard equipment, including communications systems.

Portugal’s €200 million ($234.8 million) order includes €75 million worth of upgrades, with the work distributed to local companies. Pilot training also will be completed in-country.

“We are talking about a new proven ground air attack capability to support the National Detached Forces,” Melo said.