Brazil’s Embraer Sells A-29 Aircraft to Sierra Nevada in U.S. Military Training Boost.

Brazil’s Embraer sold an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Sierra Nevada at the U.S. Air & Space Forces Association conference. The deal aims to expedite U.S. Air Force pilot training and reduce the time required for operational readiness.

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace company, confirmed on September 23, 2025, at the U.S. Air & Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Maryland that it signed a sales agreement with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) for one A-29 aircraft. While the deal covers just a single plane, officials emphasized its strategic value: the purchase will shorten the U.S. Air Force’s pilot training timeline and help achieve initial operational capability faster than traditional Foreign Military Sales processes allow.-
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Light attack and ISR aircraft still matter, and the A-29 Super Tucano continues to prove its relevance at a time when the spotlight often falls on fifth-generation fighters (Picture source: Embraer)

For SNC, the purchase is a calculated move. The company has a reputation for committing to programs early, betting that this kind of investment will speed up government decisions later. It is presented as a way of demonstrating confidence in the platform while ensuring that there is no downtime once a contract is signed. Embraer, meanwhile, will assemble the aircraft at its Jacksonville, Florida facility, a site that has already become a key production hub for U.S. and allied customers. Over the past decade, the Brazilian manufacturer and SNC have together delivered close to 50 Super Tucanos worldwide.

The aircraft itself hardly needs introduction. With over 600,000 flight hours in 22 different air forces, the A-29 has been tested in roles ranging from close air support to border patrol. Its ability to operate from short, unpaved strips makes it a natural fit for rugged environments where traditional jets cannot always perform. “It’s not glamorous compared to an F-35, but it does things that modern jets simply aren’t built for,” noted a retired U.S. Air Force officer who flew in Afghanistan. He added that affordability and ease of maintenance are often the deciding factors for smaller air forces.

In the American context, the Super Tucano has already found its place. The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command received three units for its Combat Aviation Advisor program, which supports partner nations in building air capabilities. For Washington, the aircraft fills a useful gap, inexpensive, versatile, and deployable in environments where a fighter jet would be overkill. Strategically, it signals a commitment to helping partners defend themselves with tools that are sustainable, rather than pushing only high-cost systems.

From an industrial standpoint, the order is another win for Embraer’s U.S. operations. Producing in Jacksonville ensures not just local assembly but also a reliable supply chain for foreign buyers under the FMS framework. For SNC, it reinforces its identity as one of the rare privately held mid-tier defense companies willing to put money down before contracts are signed. While no price tag has been disclosed, the move anticipates a larger program. The last major U.S. procurement of the A-29 involved special operations forces, but new international interest points to a market that is not shrinking.

The message behind this agreement is straightforward. Light attack and ISR aircraft still matter, and the A-29 Super Tucano continues to prove its relevance at a time when the spotlight often falls on fifth-generation fighters. By moving early, SNC and Embraer are not just securing a sale; they are ensuring that the next wave of operators can train sooner and deploy faster. It is worth noting that this is less about buying a single aircraft and more about maintaining a proven option on the table when speed and affordability are critical.

Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group

Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.