By Brazil Stock Guide – Embraer (B3: EMBR3; NYSE: ERJ) signed a deal to supply its A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to U.S.-based Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). The agreement, announced at the Air, Space & Cyber conference of the Air & Space Forces Association in National Harbor, marks a step toward a larger order under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. SNC’s early investment enables pilot training to begin right away, trimming the timeline for Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by as much as one year.
Built in the U.S.
The aircraft will be assembled at Embraer Defense & Security’s Jacksonville, Florida, plant. Over the past decade, Embraer and SNC have delivered nearly 50 Super Tucanos to air forces worldwide. The model has accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours in light attack, close air support, and surveillance missions. It is currently in service with 22 nations.
Frederico Lemos, head of sales at Embraer Defense & Security, said the Super Tucano continues to stand out among FMS customers for combining effectiveness with affordability.
The deal represents an indirect entry into the U.S. Air Force. While the A-29 is not yet part of the regular fleet, it has been deployed in niche operations such as the Air Force Special Operations Command’s Combat Aviation Advisor mission. By advancing funding ahead of a formal FMS contract, SNC is effectively paving the way for wider adoption of the Super Tucano in U.S. and allied operations. If expanded, the program could transform the A-29’s limited role into a more institutionalized presence within the U.S. Air Force.
Market implications
Beyond the A-29, Embraer manufactures the KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft as part of its defense portfolio. For SNC, led by chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, the partnership reinforces its position as a key player in U.S. defense supply chains. Rising geopolitical tensions and demand for versatile, low-cost aircraft are expected to sustain a healthy order pipeline.