The U.S. embassy in Uruguay reported a few hours ago that its government will donate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sensors to equip the recently incorporated Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft of the Uruguayan Air Force. The donation of material amounts to the sum of USD 5 million.
According to what was reported by the U.S. diplomatic representation in Uruguay, the donation to Uruguay is of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) sensors “…to equip its brand-new Super Tucano aircraft and thus be able to monitor and control its territory from the air. Regional security is a priority that the United States and Uruguay share…”.
“…This donation, which is around USD 5 million with funds from the United States government, is one more link in the strong chain of contributions that our country makes in Uruguay in Defense and Security matters…”, the embassy highlighted in its post on X.
Despite the embassy not providing further information, the mentioned equipment possibly refers to a multisensor gyro-stabilized EO/IR platform. The Embraer A-29 Super Tucano can be equipped with systems from the Star SAFIRE or BRITE Star family from the company FLIR, among others.
A multisensor platform provides various capabilities, among them detection, identification, and all-weather tracking of ground, riverine/maritime, or aerial targets. Depending on the complexity, these systems can also be equipped with a laser designator for the use of guided munitions, such as bombs or rockets.
A-29 Super Tucano of the Uruguayan Air Force
In mid-February of this year, the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) marked a milestone by officially incorporating the first two Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, tail numbers FAU 250 and FAU 251.
The contract between the FAU and Embraer, signed at the end of 2024, provides for the delivery of six A-29 Super Tucano, along with a logistical package that includes a flight simulator, mission equipment, and comprehensive technical support. Bosco da Costa Júnior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated during the delivery of the first two units that “…We are honored to deliver the first A-29 Super Tucano for the Uruguayan Air Force. This milestone strengthens a partnership that has been consolidated over more than 50 years…”.
With the incorporation of the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano, the Uruguayan Air Force will make a qualitative and quantitative leap in terms of its air capabilities, being able to replace the retired IA-58 Pucará as well as the very veteran A-37B Dragonfly attack aircraft.
The Super Tucano will allow the FAU to substantially increase its response capacity when carrying out advanced training, patrol, and airspace control tasks.
*Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: FAU.
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