After completing their ferry flight from Brazil and arriving at Teniente 2.º Mario Walter Parallada Air Base, located in Durazno, the Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya (FAU) officially presented its first two new Embraer A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft. The ceremony was led by the President of Uruguay, Yamandu Orsi, along with civilian and military authorities, officially marking the beginning of a new stage for Uruguayan combat aviation.
These two aircraft, which are part of a total of six (6) units to be incorporated by the Uruguayan Air Force, are intended to replace the IA-58 Pucara retired years ago, as well as to complement and eventually relieve the current Cessna A-37B Dragonfly. They have been assigned to Air Squadron No. 2.
With their incorporation now completed—after finishing acceptance flights at the Brazilian factory located in Gavião Peixoto, where pilots and support personnel carried out performance tests and verified the final configuration of the systems—the Air Force will expand its current airspace control and surveillance capabilities and border protection missions.
From the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense, it was highlighted that the investment allocated for the acquisition of the six Super Tucano aircraft amounts to US$ 100 million, also including the provision of mission equipment, integrated logistics services for the fleet, and a flight simulator. The adaptation and upgrading of infrastructure for the operation and sustainment of the new combat aviation weapons system should also be noted.
“The arrival of the A-29 Super Tucano represents a technological leap of decades compared to the current situation of combat aircraft. They are new aircraft, factory-built, zero flight hours, and with very low operating costs compared to other aircraft that fulfill the same role,” stated Defense Minister Sandra Lazo.
Adding that: “… As established by law, the main mission of the Air Force is the control and defense of the national airspace. It is important to emphasize that with these aircraft they will complement and strengthen the current air surveillance system, working together with the radars and the command and control system as a whole, providing the necessary tools to Air Force personnel. They will allow, in coordination with the rest of the surveillance system, to increase the possibilities of identification and interception of irregular aircraft.”
For his part, the Commander of the Uruguayan Air Force, Air General Fernando Colina, stated that the acquisition and incorporation of the A-29 Super Tucano represents a before and after for the institution.
“For the current threats facing the country, this is an ideal aircraft due to its operating cost and the ease with which it will be able to interact with the sensors that the Air Force has and will be updating in order to have a robust system integrated by these aircraft, the radars, and the personnel who will be qualified to interact,” he emphasized during his speech.
*Photographs: Ministry of Defense and Uruguayan Air Force.
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