- Portugal has received its first NATO-configured A-29N Super Tucano aircraft, becoming the first European and first global operator of this variant.
- The aircraft will be used for pilot training, close air support, and potential counter-drone missions, with a total fleet of 12 planned.
Portugal’s Air Force has taken delivery of its first A-29N Super Tucano aircraft, marking the introduction of a new training and light combat capability and making Portugal the first European operator of the platform in its NATO-configured version.
The delivery ceremony took place on December 17 at the facilities of OGMA, Portugal’s aerospace company, in the presence of Defense Minister Nuno Melo and the Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves. The aircraft delivered are the first of a planned fleet of 12 A-29N Super Tucanos.
According to the Portuguese Air Force, the A-29N Super Tucano will have a dual mission: pilot training and close air support in low-threat environments. The aircraft are already equipped with a NATO configuration, making Portugal not only the first European country to operate the Super Tucano, but also the first operator worldwide of this specific NATO-adapted variant.
General Cartaxo Alves said the delivery represents an important step in the modernization of the service.
“The formalization of the delivery of these aircraft represents another decisive step in the modernization of the Air Force, reinforcing its robustness and technological capacity,” he said. “In addition to replacing pilot training assets that have been in operation for almost four decades, this acquisition also allows the reinforcement of new capabilities, namely close air support in joint and/or combined operations, ensuring the armed protection of forces on the ground.”
He added that operating the NATO-configured A-29N places Portugal in a unique position.
“At the same time, the Air Force once again establishes itself as a reference among similar forces, by operating the first A-29N Super Tucano with NATO configuration, guaranteeing Portugal a position of strategic advantage and a return for the national economy,” the Air Force chief said.
Defense Minister Nuno Melo highlighted the operational flexibility of the aircraft and its relevance for current and future missions.
“We are talking about a new proven air-to-ground attack capability to support National Forces deployed abroad,” Melo said. “But we are also talking about new scenarios. The Super Tucano now offers the possibility of performing counter-drone missions, proving the flexibility of the aircraft chosen by the Air Force. I emphasize chosen ‘by the Air Force,’ with political decisions supported by technical assessments.”
Beyond the delivery of the aircraft, the event also included the signing of a letter of interest aimed at establishing an aircraft manufacturing facility in Beja. According to officials, the proposed plant would have the capacity to produce A-29N Super Tucano aircraft in Portugal.
The project is intended to generate skilled jobs and support the Portuguese economy and aerospace industry. Aircraft produced on the Beja assembly line would be used to meet future requirements of the Portuguese state and could also be offered to other European nations through government-to-government negotiations. Portuguese officials said the initiative would contribute to strengthening the defense industrial base in both Portugal and Europe.
The A-29N Super Tucano is a turboprop aircraft designed for advanced pilot training, close air support, and light attack missions. It has been widely used outside Europe in training and operational roles, particularly in environments where low operating costs, endurance, and flexibility are required.
The Portuguese Air Force said the newly delivered aircraft will fly in the coming days to Air Base No. 11 in Beja, where the formal handover to Squadron 101, known as “Roncos,” will take place. The squadron is expected to be the primary operator of the new fleet.