The Philippine Air Force has been confirmed as the customer behind an undisclosed order for six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer announced on February 3 at the Singapore Airshow.
The newly disclosed contract brings the Philippine Air Force’s total A-29 fleet to 12 aircraft, following an earlier acquisition of six Super Tucanos. According to Embraer, the follow-on order is intended to expand the service’s ability to conduct a range of missions, including close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, and counterinsurgency operations.
As noted by Embraer, the aircraft were selected to support sustained operational requirements in complex internal security environments, where persistent presence, low operating costs, and precision employment are key factors. The company did not disclose the contract value or delivery schedule as part of its Singapore Airshow announcement.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop-powered light attack and advanced trainer aircraft that has been widely adopted by air forces seeking a cost-effective platform for irregular warfare and border security missions. It is equipped with a reinforced airframe, armor protection, and an integrated avionics suite designed to support operations in contested environments. The aircraft can be armed with a combination of machine guns, rockets, and precision-guided munitions, depending on mission requirements.
For the Philippine Air Force, the additional aircraft are expected to reinforce existing operational units tasked with internal security and maritime surveillance missions. The service has relied on the Super Tucano as a core platform for counterinsurgency operations, particularly in remote and austere regions where jet aircraft are less practical. The turboprop design allows the A-29 to operate from short or unimproved runways while maintaining long endurance over target areas.
Embraer stated that the expanded fleet will allow the Philippine Air Force to improve aircraft availability and operational tempo while maintaining commonality in training, logistics, and maintenance. Fleet standardization reduces lifecycle costs and simplifies sustainment, a factor that has driven adoption of the A-29 across multiple regions.
The Philippines is one of several countries in the Asia-Pacific region operating the Super Tucano, reflecting a broader demand for light attack aircraft capable of performing both kinetic and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Embraer has previously emphasized that the A-29 is designed for missions where high-performance fighters are not required, offering a lower-cost alternative with sufficient capability for internal defense and regional security tasks.
Beyond the Philippines, the A-29 Super Tucano is in service with air forces in Latin America, Africa, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. Embraer positions the aircraft as a mature platform with an established operational record, supported by an international logistics and training network.