Portugal is to be the launch customer for the A-29N version of the Super Tucano, which Embraer launched in 2023 as a NATO-compliant version of the light attack turboprop. (Embraer)
The Portuguese Minister of National Defence, João Nuno Lacerda Teixeira de Melo, has revealed his country's intention to acquire the Embraer Defense & Security A-29 Super Tucano light attack turboprop aircraft.
Nuno Melo made the announcement at the National Defence Commission of the Portuguese Parliament on 25 June. He did not disclose a delivery schedule or aircraft numbers.
The Portuguese Air Force is eying an aircraft with the capability to carry out close air support (CAS) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in theatres of operations with limited infrastructure, as well as advanced pilot training.
The acquisition of the aircraft fleet as part of modernisation plan ‘Air Force 5.3' will be funded by approximately EUR206 million (USD220 million), which is included in an EUR851.5 million budget allocated to the Ministry of National Defence and the Portuguese Armed Forces Staff as part of the country's Military Programming Law 2023–2034.
Portugal is seeking between eight and 12 aircraft, the Director of the Engineering and Programs Directorate at the Portuguese Air Force, Brigadier General João Rui Ramos Nogueira, told Janes in November 2023.
For more information on the Super Tucano, please seeEmbraer launches NATO-standard Super Tucano .
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