Embraer has unveiled a new operational concept for its A-29 Super Tucano, transforming the turboprop light-attack aircraft into a dedicated counter-drone platform, targeting the growing demand for affordable solutions to defeat unmanned aerial systems.
The Brazilian manufacturer states that the concept relies largely on sensors and weapons already integrated into the A-29, combined with updated tactics, techniques, and procedures. The package is designed to enable current and future operators to add counter-UAS tasks to their mission profiles without requiring major structural changes or a full avionics refit.
According to Embraer, the counter-drone configuration uses dedicated datalinks to receive initial target coordinates and cue the aircraft toward suspected UAS tracks. Once in the vicinity, an electro-optical/infrared sensor provides identification, tracking, and laser designation. The aircraft can then employ laser-guided rockets or its wing-mounted 0.50 caliber machine guns to engage drones visually or under sensor guidance.
“We continue to expand the A-29’s capabilities to address the most recent challenges faced by many nations worldwide,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The continued challenges in modern warfare and the recent conflicts worldwide have shown the urgent need for solutions to fight drones. The A-29 is the ideal tool to counter UAS effectively and at low cost, adding to the aircraft’s already extensive mission set that includes close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced training, and many others.”
Turboprops practical advantages for drone interception
One of the A-29’s main advantages in counter-UAS missions is its speed, or rather, its lack of it. Many small reconnaissance and loitering drones fly slowly and at low altitudes, making them difficult targets for high-performance fighters. Fast jets are often too quick to use their guns safely against such targets, and firing air-to-air missiles can be prohibitively expensive when facing cheap, attritable drones like Iran’s Shahed series.
By contrast, a turboprop such as the Super Tucano can loiter for long periods, maneuver more easily around slow targets, and operate at a fraction of the cost per flight hour. That combination makes it well-suited for persistent patrols and visual engagements against small drones that would otherwise drain advanced air-defense inventories.
Drone hunting lessons from Ukraine
The effectiveness of these aircraft has already been demonstrated in Ukraine, where they have been repurposed for improvised “drone hunting.” One unit modified a Zlin crop-dusting aircraft to carry infrared-guided R-73 missiles. Another unit employs Yakovlev Yak-52 trainers, with gunners leaning out of open cockpits armed with rifles or shotguns.
Some crews have even attempted to ram incoming drones. Ukraine has credited these teams with downing several Orlan and Zala drones, demonstrating the effectiveness of slow, agile aircraft in countering unmanned aerial threats.
The downing of an enemy reconnaissance UAV “ZALA” by ramming it with the wing of a Yak-52 aircraft from the 11th Separate Army Aviation Brigade.
The aircraft was piloted by Colonel Kostyantyn Oboryn, an experienced pilot who repeatedly took to the skies to defend southern… pic.twitter.com/LtkZfBMFIH
— WarTranslated (@wartranslated) October 16, 2025
Russia, too, has experimented with using basic piston or trainer aircraft to intercept Ukrainian drones, with several examples later destroyed by Ukrainian loitering munitions while parked at forward airfields.
Ukrainian loitering munition destroys Russian Yak-52 training aircraft being used in an anti-drone role. https://t.co/uoUOk0y9JY pic.twitter.com/Q3erMLi79f
— Woofers (@NotWoofers) October 21, 2025
These improvised operations highlight the need for affordable, air-based counter-UAS solutions but also show the limitations of lightly equipped trainers. Embraer’s approach aims to professionalize that concept, offering similar flight characteristics and cost advantages, but with integrated sensors, targeting systems, and precision weapons optimized for drone defense.
Turboprops take active role in air defense
For countries that already operate the A-29 for training, light attack, or border security, Embraer’s new counter-UAS concept could offer an additional mission set without major new investments. Instead of scrambling high-end fighters or using expensive surface-to-air missiles for every drone incursion, operators could rely on low-cost aircraft designed for endurance and precision.
With the growing prevalence of cheap drones on modern battlefields, from Ukraine to the Middle East, the Super Tucano’s evolution into a counter-UAS platform may signal a broader shift in airpower. Turboprops, once primarily confined to close air support and surveillance roles, may now be playing an active part in air defense.
