The Portuguese Air Force received the first A-29N Super Tucano aircraft configured to NATO standards, becoming the first country in Europe and the world to place this variant into operational service.
The delivery represents a relevant milestone for the modernization of Portuguese military aviation, by expanding advanced training and light combat capabilities.
Delivery ceremony at OGMA
The official ceremony took place on December 17, at the OGMA facilities, and was attended by the Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, and the Commander of the Air Force, João Cartaxo Alves. The aircraft delivered is the first of a planned fleet of 12 A-29N Super Tucano units.
Advanced training and close air support
According to the Air Force, the A-29N will be used mainly in advanced pilot training and close air support missions in low-threat environments. Equipped with avionics and mission systems compatible with NATO standards, the platform consolidates Portugal as the first global user of this specific variant.
Modernization and strategic advantage
General Cartaxo Alves highlighted that the incorporation of the A-29N is a critical step in the force’s modernization process, replacing training platforms used for almost four decades. Furthermore, the new aircraft expand the capacity to provide armed support to ground troops in joint or multinational operations, providing a strategic advantage and establishing a new benchmark among air forces with a similar profile.
Combating drones in the scope of missions
Minister Nuno Melo highlighted the operational flexibility of the A-29N, noting that the aircraft is suitable not only for air-to-ground attack missions, but also for emerging scenarios, such as combating unmanned aerial vehicles. The decision, according to the minister, was based on technical assessments conducted by the Air Force.
Production line in Beja
During the ceremony, a letter of intent was signed to establish an A-29N assembly and production line in Beja. The initiative is expected to generate qualified jobs and strengthen the national aeronautical industry. Locally produced aircraft may be offered through interstate agreements to meet Portugal’s future needs and demand from other European countries.
Operational base
The Air Force announced that the A-29N Super Tucano will be transferred in the coming days to Air Base nº 11 in Beja, where it will operate in the 101st Squadron, known as “Roncos”.
Source and images: Portuguese Air Force, Instagram @fap_oficial. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
