Embraer has teamed up with US company Valkyrie Aero to enhance the A-29 Super Tucano’s capabilities against unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The pairing will see Valkyrie’s Gunslinger AI (artificial intelligence) suite paired with the light-attack turboprop, says Embraer.
Gunslinger AI improves decision making in the counter-UAS mission. It will enhance the Super Tucano’s existing counter-UAS capabilities that rely on the aircraft’s existing sensor suite.
Embraer, which first mooted the Super Tucano as a counter-UAS platform in November 2025, says the aircraft’s tandem cockpit, loiter time, agility, and speed are ideally suited to engaging drones with guns, guided rockets, and other effectors.
Moreover, the type’s low stall speed of around 43kt (80km/h) means it can efficiently engage slow-moving drones, allowing it to match pace with targets that faster jets would struggle to intercept. The type can also operate from austere locations.
“We are proud to partner with Valkyrie to further enhance the A-29 C-UAS mission capabilities,” says Marcio Monteiro, market intelligence vice-president of Embraer Defense & Security.
“With over 60,000 combat flight hours, the A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack globally, and the ideal platform for manned C-UAS operations.”
