Super Tucano New Factory Opens in Beja
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Embraer to Establish Super Tucano Assembly Line in Portugal, Boosting Defense industry
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New Assembly Facility in Beja
Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer will establish a final assembly line for the A-29N Super Tucano light attack and reconnaissance aircraft in Beja, Portugal. This initiative coincides wiht the delivery of the first five of twelve ordered aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force, making Portugal the first European nation to operate this NATO-standard configured version of the Super Tucano. The declaration was made by the Ministry of Defense (MDN) on May 17, 2024.
Investment and Economic Impact
The modernization project represents a total investment of €200 million (approximately $215 million USD as of May 17, 2024).A important portion, €75 million (approximately $80.5 million USD), will be directly invested in Portuguese companies responsible for the aircraft’s upgrade and reconfiguration.This investment is expected to create qualified jobs within the country, with 60 new companies established in the defense sector in 2025 alone, according to the Executive.
The Beja assembly line is designed to potentially fulfill demand from other European nations through government-to-government agreements facilitated by Embraer.
Enhanced Capabilities: anti-Drone Warfare
Beyond its close air support role, the Super Tucano variant acquired by Portugal introduces a new capability to the national defense inventory: anti-drone warfare. This technical decision, validated by the Portuguese Air Force, addresses evolving modern conflict scenarios and strengthens the country’s defense industrial base. The increasing threat posed by drones has prompted many nations to seek effective countermeasures, and the Super tucano’s integration of such technology demonstrates Portugal’s proactive approach to defense modernization. The U.S. Department of Defense also released a C-UAS strategy in 2023,highlighting the global focus on countering drone threats.
Embraer’s Strategic Shift in Portugal
This new initiative in Beja represents a shift in Embraer’s strategy within Portugal. In May 2022, Embraer sold its two industrial units in the Évora Aeronautical Industry Park – Embraer Metálicas and Embraer Compósitos – to the Spanish multinational Aernnova for approximately €165 million (approximately $177 million USD at the time). Aernnova completed the acquisition in June 2022.
The Évora factories continue to operate under Aernnova’s management, producing critical structural components for Embraer aircraft.The Beja project focuses specifically on the final assembly and production of the “N” (NATO) military variant of the Super Tucano, solidifying Alentejo as Portugal’s primary aeronautical hub.
Background: The A-29 super Tucano
The Embraer A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop light attack aircraft serving in a reconnaissance