Embraer and Valkyrie Aero expand A‑29 Super Tucano capabilities for C-UAS mission

Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, and Valkyrie Aero are partnering to bring cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence‑enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities to the A-29 Super Tucano through Valkyrie’s Gunslinger.

Valkyrie’s proprietary Gunslinger AI (Artificial Intelligence) suite enables real-time, enhanced C-UAS tactical decision making on the battlefield supporting the Find, Fix, Finish of unmanned threats. The Gunslinger is built for the evolving UAS threat landscape, ensuring an enduring and scalable solution. Valkyrie Aero’s Gunslinger further enhances the A-29 C-UAS capabilities that currently rely on existing, integrated sensors.

Militaries worldwide have invested enormous resources against disruptive and persistent unmanned threats by tasking high-end platforms such as mainstream fighter jets to counter drones with significant cost per mission. The A-29 equipped with Gunslinger offers extremely effective and low-cost counter drone capabilities, leveraging the Super Tucano’s advanced tandem cockpit, extended loiter time, and agility. Its ability to safely match the speed of one-way attack drones creates a stable, precise engagement platform for guns, guided rockets, and other effectors.

“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.