Embraer transforms the Super Tucano into a drone hunter and aims to sell it in the European market

After two decades of dominance in the light attack aircraft category, Embraer has announced a new role for the A-29 Super Tucano. It will serve as a drone hunter, which is in high demand among European countries concerned about escalating military tensions with Russia.

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The novel product was unveiled this week at the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates. The Brazilian manufacturer is incorporating technology into its turboprops that can detect and neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles effectively and at low operating costs.

Embraer’s argument is simple: Shooting down drones with state-of-the-art fighter jets is expensive and inefficient. A recent example is the intercept of a drone in Poland by a Dutch F-35, which used AIM-9X missiles worth US$500,000 (R$2.6 million) to destroy aircraft worth an estimated US$10,000 (R$52,000).

In contrast, the Super Tucano costs about US$1,500 (R$7,900) per hour to fly, a fraction of the US$40,000 (R$211,000) it costs to fly a supersonic fighter. The model is already equipped with two .50 caliber machine guns and can now use laser-guided rockets such as Britain’s BAE Systems’ APKWS-2, which cost just over US$20,000 (R105,000) each.

Meet the Fenon 300, the most popular Embraer jet for wealthy Americans

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The Fenon 300 logged more than 360,000 takeoffs and landings at U.S. airports in the past 12 months through August. — Photo: Embraer/Disclosure

Embraer's Phenom 300, one of the best-selling jets these days — Photo: Bloomberg

Phenom 300 aircraft at the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defense Expo at Avalon Airport in Geelong, Victoria - Photo: Bloomberg

Phenom 300 in front of Embraer's hangar: greater range and lower price compared to competitors. Photo: Disclosure — 4/13
Phenom 300 in front of Embraer’s hangar: greater range and lower price compared to competitors. Photo: Disclosure

The cockpit of Embraer's Phenom 300 light jet. Photo: Disclosure/Embraer — 5/13
The cockpit of Embraer’s Phenom 300 light jet. Photo: Disclosure/Embraer

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The aircraft can fly at an altitude of 13,716 meters and reach a maximum cruising speed of 859 km/h. — Photo: Disclosure/Embraer

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Development of the Fenon 300 began in 2005, but the first flight took place in 2008. — Photo: Paulo Fridman/Bloomberg

Phenom 300 Assembly Line: This model was launched in December 2009, with the first units delivered in the interior of São Paulo, specifically to Embraer's headquarters in São Jose dos Campos. — Photo: Paulo Fridman/Bloomberg — 8/13
Phenom 300 Assembly Line: This model was launched in December 2009, with the first units delivered in the interior of São Paulo, specifically to Embraer’s headquarters in São Jose dos Campos. — Photo: Paulo Fridman/Bloomberg

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The Phenom 300 became popular due to its low fuel consumption, approximately one-third the cost, and superior speed and range over its competitors. — Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg

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Flight attendants place plates and wine glasses on the dining table inside the Phenom 300 cabin — Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg

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For passenger comfort, the leather seats recline and have headrests and armrests. — Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg

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The new edition of the Phenom 300 from January 2020 not only includes carbon fiber details, but also includes technological improvements such as 4G connectivity — Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg

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The redesigned Phenom 300 model also features personalized configurations for medical emergencies. — Photo: Kara Gottgens/Bloomberg

Aircraft replaced Cessna’s dominance in U.S. business aviation

Despite its economic advantages, the Super Tucano has technical limitations. Being a turboprop aircraft, it takes time to reach a combat zone and relies on external radar support to operate in areas with high drone saturation.

To circumvent some of these limitations, Embraer equipped the aircraft with state-of-the-art optical and infrared sensors and made it compatible with NATO’s Link 16 encryption system. This technology is required in the contract concluded with Portugal.

The move reflects a global push for affordable air defense solutions in scenarios where drones have taken center stage in the Ukraine war and NATO exercises in Eastern Europe.

With more than 290 aircraft sold to 22 air forces and a 60% global share in the sector, the Super Tucano has established itself as one of the flagship products of Embraer’s defense division, along with the KC-390 cargo aircraft.