Brazilian Super Tucano Upgrades: Harnessing Gripen’s Advanced Radar for Drug Combat
The Gripen Enhances Super Tucano’s Capabilities in Brazil
Brazil plans to upgrade its A-29 Super Tucanos for greater efficiency in tackling drug cartels. This major project focuses on integrating the Super Tucanos with the Saab Gripen E fighter jets, which feature advanced radar technology. The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB) will modernize its 68 A-29 A/B Super Tucanos to the A-29M standard. Upgrades include new electro-optical sensors and a cockpit display similar to that of the Gripen, set to order by 2025.
The Gripen’s integration will facilitate data sharing through a BR-2 link, enhancing communication between the Super Tucano and E-99 AEW&C aircraft. Additional upgrades will incorporate new missile defense systems and armor. The Super Tucano, while originally a flight trainer, plays vital roles in light attack, close air support, and slow mover intercept operations.
✈️ Confira alguns cliques registrados durante a primeira semana do Exercício Cruzeiro do Sul (CRUZEX):
1️⃣ F-39E Gripen da FAB liderando “fast formation” durante o Media Flight 2024;
2️⃣ Paraquedistas (@bdainfpqdt_exercito) do Exército Brasileiro (@exercito_oficial) e FAB em salto… pic.twitter.com/43snw6FgeA— Força Aérea Brasileira 🇧🇷 (@fab_oficial) November 8, 2024
Tactical Use of the Super Tucano
On April 9 and 10, 2024, the Super Tucanos intercepted two drug smuggling planes entering Brazilian airspace. The pilots of the smuggling planes chose to crash their aircraft rather than face capture. The Gripen’s advanced radar helps the Super Tucano detect airborne threats early, allowing for effective mission execution against drug smuggling activities.
In 2021, A-29s shot down a drug-laden aircraft that ignored warnings. The Super Tucano is part of Brazil’s Integrated Border Protection Program, addressing challenges from drug cartels in the Amazon rainforest.
The A-29 Super Tucano, also called the EMB 314, serves in 15 air forces, including the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. The U.S. originally acquired the A-29s for Special Operations Command but transitioned to other aircraft after reevaluating mission needs.
Enhancing Gripen’s Market Appeal
Saab aims to increase its presence in Latin America, following a significant deal with Brazil for Gripen E/F jets worth $5.4 billion in 2014. This deal included a partnership with Embraer for local manufacturing of 15 Gripen jets. The Brazilian Gripen E jets debuted in the CRUZEX exercise at Natal Air Base from November 3 to November 15, 2024, participating in various missions alongside the FAB’s Super Tucanos.
— Força Aérea Brasileira 🇧🇷 (@fab_oficial) November 11, 2024
Colombia is considering Gripen and Rafale fighters to update its fleet, with Saab proposing to manufacture Colombian jets in Brazil. Brazil has announced a 25% increase in its Gripen contract, while Sweden has shown interest in purchasing Embraer’s C-390 transport aircraft. A Letter of Intent signed between Brazil and Sweden aims to expand their aerospace cooperation.
Brazil is the primary user of the C-390, which is also operated by several European countries. Sweden would become the sixth European user of the C-390. The integration of the Super Tucano with the Gripen highlights the military utility of the Gripen and its compatibility with other systems.