Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has delivered the first two A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft to the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU), marking the start of a broader fleet renewal program for the South American service.
The two turboprops with registrations FAU-250 and FAU-251 departed the manufacturer’s site in Brazil on February 17, 2026, en route to Uruguay, where they will form the initial element of a planned six-aircraft fleet.
From option to firm order
The deliveries come under a contract originally announced in 2024, in which Uruguay agreed to acquire one A-29 with options for five additional units, before exercising those options in early 2025 to firm up an order for six aircraft alongside mission equipment, integrated logistics services and a flight simulator. The remaining aircraft are expected to be delivered in the coming months.
The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop platform widely used for light attack, close air support, advanced pilot training, and armed reconnaissance. Its operational flexibility and comparatively low life-cycle cost have made it a popular choice among air forces worldwide.
For the FAU, the incoming Super Tucanos will bolster capabilities in a range of missions, from tactical training to border patrol and airspace defense, replacing aging aircraft such as the Cessna A-37B Dragonfly.
With the arrival of the type, Uruguay becomes the sixth South American operator of the A-29. Regional users include Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Paraguay, reflecting the aircraft’s strong footprint across the continent.
