Embraer Expands A-29 Super Tucano Capabilities to Counter Drones

Embraer has expanded the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft’s mission profile to include counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) operations, offering air forces a new capability to confront emerging aerial threats.

The company said the enhancement, known as SANT (Super Tucano Anti-Drone Tactics), integrates the aircraft’s existing sensors and systems to provide countermeasures against modern unmanned threats. The new capability is available to both current and future A-29 operators.

The operational concept leverages the A-29’s datalinks for receiving target coordinates and guidance, an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor for laser tracking and designation, and the platform’s wing-mounted laser-guided rockets and .50 caliber machine guns to neutralize identified unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop aircraft used for close air support, air patrol, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions. It is operable from unpaved runways and forward bases.