Embraer Introduces Counter‑UAS Upgrade for Super Tucano

TL;DR

• Embraer Unveils Counter‑UAS Upgrade for A‑29 Super Tucano
• LOT Opens Warsaw–San Francisco Route Strengthening Silicon Valley Ties
• Otto Aerospace Launches Phantom 3500 with Digital Inflight Displays
• Everllence Reveals ME‑LGIA Dual‑Fuel Engine for Ammonia Propulsion

Why the Embraer A‑27M Is the Smart Counter‑UAS Choice for Asymmetric Warfare

Bridging the Cost Gap

The A‑27M retrofit adds a dedicated C‑UAS mission package to the proven A‑29 airframe without exceeding the original weight envelope (≤ 250 kg). At an estimated upgrade cost of $1‑1.5 M per aircraft, it undercuts dedicated jet‑C‑UAS platforms that exceed $5 M, while retaining the turboprop’s low‑cost operating profile (≈ $1 k per flight hour).

Technical Core

• Sensors: Integrated EO/IR turret, passive RF search, optional ≤ 1 kg AESA radar linked to the aircraft data‑link bus.
• Weapons: APKWS II laser‑guided rockets at $30 k each; low‑cost AMRAAM variants at $15‑20 k per missile; higher‑threat Sidewinder/AMRAAM missiles at $450 k‑$1 M.
• Software: Open‑system flight‑control interface enables plug‑and‑play cueing from ground‑based C‑UAS radars.

Operational Validation

The A‑29 family has logged 600 000 flight hours across 22 air forces, providing a robust data set for C‑UAS integration. Real‑world demand is evident from recent FPV‑drone attacks on Colombian UH‑60s (2024) and Houthi drone threats, which highlight the cost asymmetry that the A‑27M directly addresses.

Cost‑Effectiveness in Practice

• Per‑engagement cost ranges from $20‑30 k, comparable to the $5 k cost of many hostile drones.
• Lifecycle cost leverages the existing 15‑year airframe service life, avoiding the high sustainment burden of new platforms.
• Operating cost per flight hour remains far lower than helicopter‑based C‑UAS solutions (> $5 k).

Strategic Fit and Market Outlook

Network‑centric UAV hunting—linking ground radars to the aircraft data‑link—mirrors proven YFQ‑42A concepts, extending sensor coverage and engagement windows. Export interest from Portugal, Colombia, and other South American nations positions the A‑27M as a regional standard for low‑cost, high‑availability counter‑UAS patrols over drug‑transit corridors.

Future Enhancements

Planned integration of ≤ 2 kW directed‑energy modules (2028‑2030) will further reduce per‑engagement cost by replacing expendable munitions for low‑threat drones. This evolution aligns with the broader shift toward low‑cost guided rockets and mini‑AMRAAMs across the C‑UAS market. In sum, the Embraer A‑27M merges proven turboprop endurance with a focused C‑UAS suite, delivering a cost‑balanced, data‑rich solution that meets the operational realities of asymmetric air‑domain conflict.