On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Brazil’s Embraer (Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica) announced that it has partnered with U.S.-based Valkyrie Aero (Valkyrie Systems Aerospace) of Reno, Nevada, to integrate the AI-enabled Gunslinger AI software into the turboprop A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, configuring it for counter-UAS (C-UAS) operations.
Image: Embraer
Valkyrie’s patented Gunslinger AI (Artificial Intelligence) package enables enhanced real-time tactical decision-making on the battlefield, supporting the process of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing threats posed by unmanned aircraft. The Gunslinger system was designed for an evolving UAS threat landscape, providing a durable and scalable solution. It will also further enhance the A-29’s counter-UAS package, which currently relies on existing integrated sensors.
As Embraer emphasizes, armed forces worldwide have invested significant resources to counter persistent and disruptive unmanned-aircraft threats, often using advanced platforms—such as widely deployed fighter jets – to engage drones, which comes with substantial mission costs. An A-29 equipped with the Gunslinger system offers highly effective and affordable counter-drone capability, leveraging the Super Tucano’s advanced tandem cockpit, long endurance, and maneuverability. Its ability to safely match the speed of OWA (One-Way Attack) class one-way attack drones provides a stable, precise platform to defeat them using onboard weapons.
“We are proud to partner with Valkyrie to further enhance the A-29 C-UAS mission capabilities. 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 of Embraer Defense & Security.
“Valkyrie is excited to partner with Embraer to deliver Gunslinger on the A-29 platform for customers worldwide. Gunslinger is born from the immediate needs of the frontline warfighter, whom Valkyrie trains and engages with every day,” said Chris Turner, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy of Valkyrie Aero.
On November 11, 2025, Embraer presented a C-UAS package for the A-29 Super Tucano. It is to be based on new sensors, including dedicated data links for receiving initial target coordinates and prioritizing them, an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor for tracking and laser designation, as well as laser-guided rockets and 12.7 mm wing-mounted machine guns—with additional effectors to follow.
It is also worth noting that the package was showcased in Poland on December 2, 2025, during the visit of a KC-390 Millennium transport/tanker aircraft to Warsaw (where Embraer signed an agreement with Polish Armaments Group), and again in January this year to a delegation from Poland’s Armed Forces General Command during a visit to Embraer’s facilities.
Orders for the A-29 Super Tucano exceed 290 aircraft, which have accumulated more than 600,000 flight hours, including 60,000 in combat operations. As of now, the aircraft’s users include—or will include—22 countries, including the following that have been disclosed: Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Honduras, Indonesia, Colombia, Lebanon, the Philippines, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, the United States, and most recently Paraguay, Uruguay, Portugal (the A-29N variant for European NATO member states), as well as Panama. In the past, Ukraine also expressed interest in the aircraft (Embraer A-29 Super Tucano for Sierra Nevada Corporation).
NEWS | Embraer and Valkyrie Aero expand A‑29 Super Tucano capabilities for C-UAS mission. Read full news: https://t.co/MItUugjyOG pic.twitter.com/oTKdn85B3u
— Embraer (@embraer) March 4, 2026