The Portuguese Air Force has taken delivery of its first A-29N Super Tucano aircraft, which will serve a dual role in pilot training and close air support missions in low-threat environments.
The official handover ceremony took place on 17 December at the OGMA facilities in Alverca, with the presence of the Minister of National Defence, Nuno Melo, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves.
These are the first of twelve aircraft to be delivered in a NATO-configured version, making Portugal the first European operator of the A-29N and the first country worldwide to operate this specific variant.
According to General João Cartaxo Alves, “the formal delivery of these aircraft marks another decisive step in modernising the Air Force, enhancing its resilience and technological capacity. In addition to replacing nearly four-decade-old training platforms, this acquisition strengthens close air support capabilities for joint and combined operations, ensuring armed protection of ground forces.”
He also added, “by operating the first NATO-standard A-29N, the Air Force reaffirms its position as a reference among peer forces, granting Portugal strategic advantage and economic return.”
Minister Nuno Melo highlighted the flexibility of the aircraft, stating: “This is a new air-to-ground capability, battle-proven, to support deployed national forces. But it also addresses new operational scenarios. The Super Tucano now enables anti-drone missions, proving the adaptability of the aircraft selected by the Air Force.” He stressed, “selected by the Air Force, with political decisions based on technical recommendations.”
The event also featured the signing of a letter of intent for the potential creation of an aerospace manufacturing facilityin Beja, which would allow for the production of A-29N aircraft in Portugal. The planned unit would generate skilled employment and contribute to strengthening the national and European defence industrial base. Aircraft produced at this facility could meet future national requirements as well as those of other European countries, through government-to-government agreements.
In the coming days, the aircraft will fly to Air Base No. 11, in Beja, for formal integration into Squadron 101 – “Roncos”.
