In a ceremony on February 24, 2026, the Air Force of Uruguay (FAU) officially presented the first two A-29 Super Tucano aircraft acquired under a program of renewal of the air fleet, focusing on the control of the airspace and the protection of the country’s borders.
The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic, Yamandú Orsiand the Minister of Defense Sandra Lazo. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, includes the procurement of six A-29 aircraft as well as mission equipment, integrated logistics services and a latest generation flight simulator. The total investment exceeds 100 million US dollars.
According to Defense Minister Sandra Lazo, the introduction of the new aircraft represents a strategic advance. “The Air Force strengthens sovereignty in the air, which is critical to fulfilling its primary mission: control and defense of the national airspace,” she said.
Technological leap and integration with radar
The aircraft will be based at Brigada Aérea 2 in Durazno and integrated into Escuadrón Aéreo Nº 2 “Caza”, currently operating A-37 Dragonfly. According to Lazo, the arrival of the A-29 represents a “technological leap of several decades” compared to the FAU’s current combat capabilities.
The Super Tucano aircraft will operate integrated with the country’s radar system and the air force’s command and control structure, increasing the ability to identify and repel unidentified aircraft. The minister emphasized that the goal is to strengthen the national system of air surveillance and increase the efficiency in countering illegal air traffic.
FAU’s Commander-in-Chief, Air Force General Fernando Colina, described the introduction as “a before and after” for the organization. According to him, the A-29 offers an excellent operational cost-benefit ratio as well as a high capability for integration with sensors and radars.
Education and regional importance
Some of the Uruguayan pilots and technicians have already completed theoretical training with the manufacturer Embraer. The practical phase will begin with instructors from the company and will initially include six pilots. The expectation is that within about six months they will be fully qualified for the new aircraft.
The minister also highlighted that the acquisition of a modern flight simulator can position Uruguay as a regional center for pilot training, as several countries in Latin America operate the same aircraft type.
Currently, the A-29 Super Tucano is in service with 22 air forces around the world and has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours, making it a global leader in its category.
Operational characteristics of the A-29
The Super Tucano is a multi-role aircraft equipped with advanced avionics and a modern human-machine interface (HMI), enabling precise identification of targets. Among its capabilities are:
- Border patrol and surveillance
- Air interception
- Fighting drones
- Air map
- Interdiction and support for military operations
- Advanced pilot training
The aircraft can reach speeds close to 450 knots, has excellent range and can operate from unprepared airstrips, even in environments with limited infrastructure. The design prioritizes simplified maintenance, high structural reliability and low life cycle costs.
The ceremony was also attended by former president Luis Lacalle Pou and former defense ministers Javier García and Armando Castaingdebat, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Defense.
With the introduction of the new A-29 aircraft, Uruguay is strengthening its air surveillance and air defense capabilities and consolidating a state strategy that focuses on sovereignty and national security.
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Source and images: Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya | Ministry of National Defense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
