Embraer Defense & Security and the Ministry of Defense and Veterans from the Republic of Mali have signed today a contract for the acquisition of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training turboprops at the Paris Air Show. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defense from the Republic of Mali, Tieman Coulibaly. The contract includes logistic support for the operation of these aircraft and also provides a training system for pilots and mechanics of the Mali Air Force. The A-29 Super Tucano will be deployed for advanced training, border surveillance, and internal security missions.

“With this contract, we are adding another important customer in Africa, where several countries already operate the Super Tucano,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “This is a robust and versatile airplane, with proven experience in combat and will fulfill with excellence the missions for which it was selected. We welcome Mali Air Force as a new operator of the Super Tucano and we are sure this new partnership will last for many years.”

“We are quite satisfied with the way our military and defense cooperation with the Federal Republic of Brazil is developing. As for the Super Tucano, we all know how this aircraft is appreciated worldwide for its versatility and simplicity.  To put it short, I am happy to sign this contract today”, said Tieman Coulibaly, Minister of Defense, Republic of Mali.

The A-29 Super Tucano is currently used by ten air forces in three continents. It was also selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) for its Light Air Support (LAS) program. After more than ten years in action, the Super Tucano has gained an excellent performance record: over 230,000 flight hours and 30,000 combat hours. Embraer has received more than 210 firm orders and has delivered more than 190 aircraft.

The A-29 Super Tucano is a robust and powerful turboprop aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, including close air support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. With more than 130 weapons configurations certified, it is equipped with advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies, as well as secure radio systems with data links and unrivalled munitions capacity. The Super Tucano is the only combat proven and fully operational light attack/advanced training aircraft in the global market. This makes it highly reliable and allows for an excellent cost-benefit ratio for a wide range of military missions, even operating from unpaved runways and in hostile environments.

Embraer press release