Embraer Defense & Security and U.S. contractor Valkyrie Aero are expanding the mission set of the A-29 Super Tucano with an artificial intelligence–enabled counter-UAS package designed specifically for manned counter-drone operations.
Announced March 4 from Embraer’s Jacksonville, Florida, facility, the partnership will integrate Valkyrie’s proprietary Gunslinger AI suite with the Super Tucano’s existing sensors and weapons to accelerate “find, fix, finish” cycles against unmanned threats.
AI decision aid for low-cost manned C-UAS
Gunslinger is described as a real-time tactical decision aid optimized for the evolving UAS threat environment, giving A-29 crews automated support for detecting, classifying and engaging drones while keeping a human in the loop. The system is being positioned as an “enduring and scalable” solution that builds on the aircraft’s current electro-optical/infrared and mission systems rather than replacing them. Embraer argues that pairing Gunslinger with the light-attack turboprop’s tandem cockpit, long loiter time and ability to safely match the speed of one-way attack drones turns the A-29 into a stable gun and guided-rocket platform for counter-UAS work—offering a lower-cost alternative to using frontline fighter aircraft and high-end missiles against relatively inexpensive drones.
Targeting export C-UAS demand
“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,” said Marcio Monteiro, market intelligence vice president at Embraer Defense & Security. Chris Turner, senior vice president for corporate strategy at Valkyrie Aero, framed Gunslinger as “born from the immediate needs of the frontline warfighter,” reflecting the company’s training and contracted air-services work with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NATO and partner nations.
The AI C-UAS upgrade will be offered to current and prospective A-29 operators through Embraer Defense & Security Inc., which assembles Super Tucanos in Jacksonville for U.S. and Foreign Military Sales customers and supports a global fleet spread across more than 60 countries.
